paper on skin 2026
It’s time!
Another magical, creative Paper on Skin™ journey begins.
We warmly welcome you to Paper on Skin™ 2026.
Wherever you are on this spinning planet, submit your amazing idea.
Entries are open.
KEY DATES - 2026
16 Feb – Close of Entries. 11.59pm. AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight-Saving Time.
23 Feb – First Round of Selection Notification
14 Apr – Submission deadline for Second Selection Round
21 Apr – Successful finalists notified
27 Aug – Delivery of works
3 Oct – Gala Event and Award Evening
4 Oct - Up-Close Showcase at Basalt
5 – 8 Oct – Workshop series
10 Oct – Exhibition opens
Paper on Skin™ celebrates the ingenuity and wonder of wearable paper art.
Designers from around the world embrace the challenge of creating catwalk-ready garments made from at least 80% paper. Today, the Paper on Skin™ gala and awards evening is one of Australia’s premier wearable art events.
ACCOMMODATION AND EVENTS PARTNER
We are thrilled to announce that in 2026, our iconic event will join with the North-West Coast’s most iconic and awarded accommodation and dining venue - The Cove!
With breathtaking views of Bass Strait, this extraordinary location will be home to our artists, visitors and workshop participants during at event time… and beyond!
filming
Since 2020, when covid forced the cancellation of our live event, we have filmed the complete suite of Paper on Skin™ works.
The films provide a beautiful record of wearable art as it is meant to be - live and moving on the human form!
Thanks to Nicholas Higgins (cinematographer), and Alluvium for the original soundtrack.
Also our fabulous local models!
Galleries
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Full gallery 2022
Studio and behind-the-scenes
Images: Grant Wells Photo -
Full gallery 2020
Studio and behind-the-scenes
Images: Grant Wells Photo -
Gallery 2018 and 2016
Images: Grant Wells Photo
All photography by Grant Wells Photo
Sally Baldwin, (UK). After the bushfires - Regeneration
Winner of the Major Award $5000, 2024
Darryl Bedford, (UK). Alchemy
Winner of the Mayor of Devonport 'Behind the Curtain' Award $500, 2024
Kaori Kato, (JAP). Essence of Spring
Winner of the Award in Honour of Pam and Neil Thorne, sponsored by Janet de Boer OAM, $1500, 2024
Dior Mahnken, (AUS). Love the Skin You’re In
Winner of the Honourable Roger Jaensch MP Runner-Up Award, $2000, 2024
Derek Voopostel, (AUS). Summer, (Dress for Janice)
Winner of the Designer Dreaming Award sponsored by Stephanie Reynolds, AUD$1000, 2024
Acknowledgement of Country
Paper on Skin acknowledges that every part of Australia is, always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land. We pay our respect to the original owners and custodians of the land where we meet, create and share.