Poster Art Competition Opens for 2027 Festival

Alexandrina Council is inviting artists, designers, photographers and creative minds to help shape the visual identity of the 2027 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival, with entries now open for the Festival's official Poster Art Competition, presented by Community Bank Fleurieu, Bendigo Bank.

The competition offers a $500 cash prize and the opportunity for the winning artwork to become the hero image of the Festival's major promotional campaign.

The selected artwork will feature on the 2027 Festival promotional poster and collectable art poster, as well as across festival marketing, merchandise and promotional materials in the lead-up to the event.

The competition provides an opportunity for artists to contribute to one of South Australia's most recognised regional events and become part of the Festival's visual legacy.

Mayor Keith Parkes said the competition offered artists a unique opportunity to contribute to the Festival and share their interpretation of the region.

"The Festival poster has become an important part of the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival's story and a treasured keepsake for many visitors, volunteers and local residents," Mayor Parkes said.

"Each poster helps capture the spirit of the Festival and our region, showcasing the boats, waterways, heritage and community that make this event so distinctive."

"We're looking forward to seeing how artists interpret the character of Goolwa and the Festival, and bring their own creative perspective to this much-loved tradition."

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival has a long history of producing collectable posters that have become sought-after mementos of the event. The winning artwork will form the centrepiece of the Festival's visual promotion and join a growing collection documenting the Festival's history.

Community Bank Fleurieu Company Manager, Alison Burr, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to celebrating local heritage and engaging the wider community.

"The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival is an iconic celebration of our region’s history and vibrant spirit. As a Community Bank, we’re passionate about investing in initiatives that bring people together, and this competition gives local and regional creatives a fantastic platform to showcase their talent." Ms Burr said.

“The official poster isn't just marketing; it becomes a piece of history and a cherished keepsake. We are thrilled to support an opportunity that lets artists leave a lasting legacy for the 2027 Festival."

Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the boats, people, landscapes, waterways and maritime heritage that define the Festival and the Goolwa Wharf Precinct.

Original artwork in a range of styles and mediums is welcome.

Entries close on 14 October 2026.

The South Australian Wooden Boat Festival will return to Goolwa from 24 to 25 April 2027, celebrating Australia's river, maritime and wooden boatbuilding heritage.