Paper on Skin™ 2026

1 ELIGIBILITY

1. Paper on Skin™ is open Australia-wide and internationally to artists 16 years of age or older.

2. Collaborative entries are permitted.

3. Artworks are expected to be new, original creations or works that have been completed (or substantially completed) no longer than twelve-months prior to close of entries - 16th February 2026.

4. Paper on Skin™ is a pre-selected competition. To be eligible as a 2026 finalist, entrants must be successful in both round one and round two of the pre-selection process.

5. Round One: Pre-Selection. Based on Entry Form Criteria (see 4)

6. Round Two: Selection as a finalist. Based on the pre-selected artist’s Progress Report and images (see 6)

7. Multiple entries from a single artist or collaborative team are acceptable. A separate Entry Form must be submitted and Entry Fee (AUD$65) must be paid for each entry.

2 PAPER ON SKIN™ 2026 PRIZES & CRITERIA

All prizes are in Australian Dollars.

1. Major Award - AUD$5000
   A work of creative and technical excellence, from concept through to execution. Must comply with entry criteria and essential requirements.  Awarded by the panel of three judges.

2. Honourable Roger Jaensch MP Runner-Up Award - AUD$2000
   Awarded by the panel of three judges.

3. Award in honour of Pam and Neil Thorne - AUD$1500
   A special award which reflects the core concept of Paper on Skin™, an idea conceived and developed by paper artist Pam Thorne with support from her husband Neil. This award is sponsored by Janet De Boer OAM. Awarded by the panel of three judges.               

4. Professional Development Award - AUD$1500
   To fund professional and creative development opportunities for an individual artist during an 18-month period commencing Oct 2026.  The recipient will be required to provide documentation and evidence of attendance at, or engagement with, these opportunities.  At the conclusion of the time period or exhaustion of the funds, the recipient will provide a brief report for Paper on Skin™ coordinators outlining the activities attended and benefits gained.  Awarded by judges in liaison with Paper on Skin™ coordinators.

5. Designer Dreaming – AUD$1000
   A work which evokes an historic period or draws inspiration from the glamour of couture design. This award is sponsored by Stephanie Reynolds. Awarded by the panel of three judges.

6. Best Accessory(ies) Award - AUD$1000
   Award for technical and aesthetic mastery in the accessory component of the garment. Headpiece, neckpiece, shoes, fashion accessories (handbag/jewellery/adornment) or a manipulable part of the outfit. May include a combination of items. The discrete item (or combined group of items) must adhere to the 80% paper rule. This award is sponsored by Ian Wild & Associates Pty Ltd. Awarded by the panel of three judges.

7. First-time Entrant Award – AUD$1000
   Award for a first-time entrant to Paper on Skin™. Sponsored by Casey Hiscutt MLC, Independent Member for Montgomery. Awarded by the panel of three judges.

8. Paper as Textile Award – AUD(value)$1800
   For the best use of paper as textile, sponsored by Anzara Clark. Prize includes a limited edition, handbound collector’s copy of Paper As Textile Volumes 1 and 2, plus a paper textile mentoring package tailored to the paper textile interests and goals of the award winner.  Awarded by the panel of three judges.
   
   Criteria (Paper as Textile Award):

   a. Uses and/or manipulates paper in a way that the paper behaves as a fabric or cloth would, or displays the characteristics of cloth including durability, drape, flexibility and softness; and

   b. Demonstrates expertise in the traditional and/or innovative use of textile and garment construction techniques as applied to paper textile materials; and

   c. Demonstrates high quality material manipulation, construction and finish that contributes to the durability, wearability and viability of the paper textile material and the garment over time.
   

9. Awagami Paper Award in Recognition of the use of Handmade Paper – AUD(value)$500
   A selection of Awagami Editioning papers. The award recognises the use of handmade, artisanal and/or non-commercial paper. To be awarded by visiting paper specialist and workshop tutor.

10. Mayor of Devonport ‘Behind the Curtain’ Award - AUD$500
    Selected by the Devonport Mayor at the conclusion of a ‘Behind the Curtain’ tour of the works hosted by Paper on Skin™ coordinators prior to the gala event.

11. Cocoon Designs Public Vote Award - $500

    Voted by the public during the Paper on Skin™ exhibition at the Devonport Regional Gallery Oct 10 – Nov 14. Result will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.

3 THE WORK – ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The competition is not themed. The brief is wearable paper art. The style and design of the garment is the artist’s choice.
   The following requirements must be met:

2. All entries must consist of at least 80% paper. (See definition in DEFINITIONS section). Note that there are products available called ‘paper’ which DO NOT comply with this definition. Examples include silk paper and other products such as Tyvek, Yupo, Mul-tex, and Kraft-tex. These products can be used in the allowable 20% of non-paper materials in your garment. Please enquire at entry stage if you are unsure about the medium. Note that the judges have final say on assessment of the paper component.

3. Wearability. Please ensure the following:

   1. The garment must arrive in excellent condition and be constructed to withstand fittings, film/photography session(s), gala parade, selected showcases and exhibition

   2. The garment can withstand being worn on the human body for a period of time

   3. A model can navigate 2-3 steps (up and down) or a sloping ramp if required

   4. A model can walk, unaided, in the garment and accessories

   5. Prior to delivery, the work needs to have been fitted on and/or worn by an actual human, not just a mannequin

   6. The garment does not risk undue or indecent exposure. Some models are under 18 years of age. Paper on Skin™ films and photography will be shared on digital platforms which have content regulations

   7. Undergarments may be included for comfort or modesty. It is recommended that they fit within the 20% of material ‘other than paper’

   8. Sizing must be realistic. Size to be no smaller than an Australian size 8 (bust 83cm, waist 68cm, hips 91cm). Non-Australian entrants please refer to international sizing charts for comparison. Paper on Skin™ welcomes a diversity of sizes

4. Accessories such as headwear, jewellery, handbags etc. are not necessary, but are allowed as part of the design. As with the garment, these items must fit within the overall 80% paper criteria.

5. Each entry must be the original work of the artist(s) identified on the Entry Form. Works must not include or reproduce images or material for which a copyright licence or permission has not been granted.

6. If you do not identify as a First Nations artist and your work contains culturally sensitive material, please provide additional evidence with your entry of consultation with the appropriate First Nations’ community.

7. Failure to meet some, or all, of these requirements may result in disqualification.

8. Failure to meet some, or all, of these requirements may impact coordinator’s decisions regarding how the work will be included and/or presented at the gala parade, or during filming, photography and the exhibition. Coordinator’s reserve this right to preserve and maintain standards of quality and safety.

4 ENTRY FORM CRITERIA

To be uploaded via the online Entry Form at paperonskin.com. 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 must be uploaded as separate documents.

1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum two A4 pages)

2. Artist statement/bio about your general artistic practice (maximum 500 words). 

3. Design information specific to entry. Include sketch or graphic, brief description outlining design concept, technique(s), and materials to be used.  If parts of the work have been completed, images can be included as part of the ‘design information.’

4. Images of previous examples of related work (no more than three). For example, fashion design, sewn garment or textile work, handmade paper/paper art. If collaborating on an entry, provide two images per contributing artist. These images will only be viewed by judges and Paper on Skin™ administration and will not be shared or reproduced without permission.

5. Upload images in JPEG format, individual file size not to exceed 10MB.

6. Payment of entry fee. The entry fee of AUD$65 (GST inclusive) must be paid at the time of entry. Entries will not be accepted unless the entry fee has been paid. Payment portal at paperonskin.com

7. If pre-selected, content from 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 will be used for ongoing Paper on Skin™ activities and promotion. Examples include: exhibition, marketing, signage, video clips, YouTube, website, print and social media. Coordinators reserve the right to edit the content.

5 PRE-SELECTION – ROUND ONE

1. Round One of pre-selection will be based on the Entry Form Criteria submitted by the artist no later than the 16th February 2026.

2. If successful in Round One, entrants will be invited to progress to Round Two of the pre-selection process.

3. The decision made by the pre-selection panel is final. The pre-selection panel is comprised of Paper on Skin™ coordinators with input from judges as required.

4. The entry fee of AUD$65 (per entry) is not refundable.

5. Artists can expect to be notified of pre-selection outcome no later than 23rd Feb 2026.

6 PRE-SELECTION – ROUND TWO

1. Round Two of pre-selection will be based on a Progress Report and images to be submitted by the artist no later than the 14th April, 2026.

2. Progress Report (maximum 250w): Overview of the development of the work including updates or variations in materials or design elements. Dot points are permissible.

3. Images (minimum 3, maximum 8): Images must demonstrate significant progress in the making of the garment. The garment does not need to be completed, nor does it need to be photographed on a model. Prototypes, detail, and work-in-progress images are acceptable.

4. The pre-selection panel may opt to discuss the work-in-progress with the artist after receiving the information outlined in 6.2 and 6.3.

5. The decision made by the pre-selection panel is final. The pre-selection panel is comprised of Paper on Skin™ coordinators with input from judges as required.

6. If the artist does not progress past pre-selection Round Two, the entry fee of AUD$65 (per entry) will not be refunded.

7. Artists can expect to be notified of pre-selection outcome no later than 21st April 2026.

8. Artists who are successful in pre-selection Round Two are confirmed as finalists in Paper on Skin™ 2026.

9. Acceptance as a finalist will involve signing the Paper on Skin™ 2026 Social Media Agreement.  The agreement requests that (for debut garments) finalists DO NOT post (on social media /websites) or publish images of the completed or substantially completed garment until after the gala event. Detail, technique and work-in-progress shots are permissible. Additional guidelines around social media and providing content for use on Paper on Skin™ channels are included in the agreement.

10. The list of Paper on Skin™ 2026 finalists will be announced and published at the conclusion of pre-selection Round Two.

11. If successful as a finalist, artists will be required to submit comprehensive dressing instructions at the time of sending the work. A template will be provided which will include step-by-step instructions. In addition, finalists must provide images of how the garment is to be assembled and fitted on the model.

7 GETTING IT HERE

1. DELIVERY: All work selected for the competition must be delivered by close of business on Thursday, 27th August, 2026.

   Delivery via Australia Post:

   PO Box 604

   Devonport Regional Gallery (contact: Birgitta Magnusson-Reid)

   Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, 7310

   Delivery Via Freight Company and for international entrants:

   paranaple arts centre (contact: Birgitta Magnusson-Reid)

   Market Square

   145 Rooke St

   Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, 7310

   paranaple arts centre phone 03 6420 2900 (International 61 3 6420 2900)

2. FREIGHT: Delivery, collection and return freight/mail costs are the responsibility of the artist.

3. INSURANCE:  Artworks will be covered by the Devonport City Council during the filming, gala event and exhibition. Artists are recommended to organise their own insurance against loss and damage while the artwork is in transit.

8 SENDING THE WORK

1. Include in package: 
   
   Label stating artist’s name and title of the work
   Clearly labelled parts
   Any electrical components must be tagged and tested at the entrant’s expense
   Batteries if required

2. When the work has been sent, notify via paperonskin@gmail.com the date the work was sent, carrier details, and return freight instructions.

3. Submit dressing instructions (as per 6.11)

9 UNPACK AND JUDGING 

1. Upon delivery, the garment will be unpacked, a condition report completed, and a minimum of one fitting session will be undertaken.

2. Judging Panel - will comprise members possessing the appropriate credentials to make an informed and critical assessment of the finalists.

3. Judging Process – an in-situ judging session will take place prior to the gala event. Judges will be provided with information submitted by the finalists through the pre-selection process. Judges may also receive video footage and images of the works compiled by Paper on Skin™ coordinators.

4. Announcement of Awards: All awards (excluding the Cocoon Designs Public Vote award) will be announced at the gala event. The Cocoon Designs Public Vote award will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.

5. Artists are eligible to win more than one award.

6. The judge’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

7. Prize recipients are requested to use the full name of the prize including the prize sponsor and Paper on Skin™ 2026 in future references.

10 FILMING & PHOTOGRAPHY

1. All finalists must agree to allow images of their works to be reproduced in future promotional material and for archival purposes associated with Paper on Skin™. This may include marketing material, signage, video clips, YouTube, website, publications, and social media. Authorship of the artwork will be attributed wherever possible.

2. Finalist’s works will be professionally photographed and filmed. Filmed segments will be edited and available for public viewing via online platforms. Style and content of the film will vary from year to year. Creative decisions are the prerogative of the technical crew and co-ordinators.

3. Finalists will be gifted a selection of images of their work (print quality, distributed electronically post-event). Please attribute photographer Grant Wells Photo (or assistant Tara Palmer Photography) when using these images. An online gallery containing an album of images of each finalists’ work will be created (watermarked).

11 GALA EVENT

1. Gala Event and Award Evening - Saturday October 3rd, Town Hall Theatre, paranaple arts centre, Devonport.

2. Finalists may request performative or technical elements to be incorporated into the presentation as they relate to their individual piece. Finalists must be aware that there are inherent constraints involving time, safety and equity. Paper on Skin™ reserves the right to have final say regarding specific requests.

3. Accompanying information and graphics will be created by Paper on Skin™ coordinators drawing on entry criteria information submitted by the artist.

4. Finalists intending to be present will be notified after pre-selection about specific logistics (times, access etc) relating to rehearsals and the gala event day.

5. Original music for our live events and film soundtracks is created by musicians from our partnering organisation, North West Support Services. This music is matched to the artwork and performance.

6. Additional showcase or promotional events involving selected Paper on Skin™ 2026 works may take place between the delivery of the garment and its return to the artist. Artists will be informed if their works are selected to be included in these events.

7. Note clause 3.8 whereby failure to comply with essential requirements ‘…may impact coordinator’s decisions regarding how the work will be included and/or presented at the gala parade, or during filming, photography and the exhibition. Coordinator’s reserve this right to preserve and maintain standards of quality and safety’.

12 EXHIBITION

1. Finalist’s works will be retained for exhibition at the Devonport Regional Art Gallery from 10th Oct – 14th Nov 2026.

2. Finalists will be required to provide additional information about their pieces (dimensions, materials, approximate value) for exhibition purposes.

3. Note clause 3.8 whereby failure to comply with essential requirements ‘…may impact coordinator’s decisions regarding how the work will be included and/or presented at the gala parade, or during filming, photography and the exhibition. Coordinator’s reserve this right to preserve and maintain standards of quality and safety’

13 MODELS

1. Paper on Skin™ partners with Sue Rees Modelling and Deportment Academy to supply models as required. Information provided by finalists will be used for model matching.

2. f a finalist wishes to use their own model, or to model the work themselves, this is to be negotiated with Paper on Skin™ organisers. The following conditions must be satisfied and agreement indicated by ticking ‘YES’ on the relevant section of the Entry Form:

   - the model must be available at designated times for filming/photography

   - the model can confidently participate in the filming, photo shoot and at the live event (training can be offered).

   - the model must sign a permission form relating to their involvement.

   - the model must be available for selected rehearsals.

14 DAMAGE

1. Paper on Skin™ exists to showcase exceptional wearable paper art. The overriding goal in showcasing the garments is to honour the artist’s intention as closely as possible. The works are, however, made of paper. Whilst the utmost care will be taken throughout each phase of the Paper on Skin™ activities, organisers cannot be held responsible for any damage incurred to the pieces during this time.

2. Small repairs may be undertaken by qualified team members. Permission will be sought from the artist if possible.

15 RETURN OF WORK

1. It is the responsibility of the artist to advise of method of return or collection of the artworks at the conclusion of the exhibition. Return freight costs are the responsibility of the artist (note 7.2).

2. Works can be collected in person from the Devonport Regional Gallery on Monday 16th and Tuesday the 17th November following the close of the exhibition. After that the garments will be stored offsite and a collection time will need to be booked by contacting paperonskin@gmail.com. Works will need to be collected by 18th Dec, 2026.

3. If organisers have advised the artist and the artwork remains uncollected after this time it will be assumed the property of Paper on Skin™ and will be dealt with as they see fit.

16 FORCE MAJEURE

1. Where Paper on Skin™ is unable to carry out their obligations under these terms due to circumstances beyond its control or which it could not have prevented, those obligations are suspended whilst those circumstances continue, provided entrants are notified and Paper on Skin™ uses its best endeavours to overcome the circumstances preventing its obligations from being carried out.

17 ENTRANT LINKS

1. Paper on Skin™ co-ordinators will post, via our social media and website, links to the social media pages and websites of finalists. This may include tagging, reposts, shares and use of relevant hashtags. We request that these links are included in the Entry Form information. Additional guidelines around social media use are included in the Paper on Skin™ 2026 Social Media Agreement, to be signed by the artist at the time of their acceptance as a 2026 Paper on Skin™ finalist.

   *PRIZE POOL MAY BE ADDED TO BEFORE GALA EVENT