Easy as 1 - 2 - 3 !!

1. Fill in the registration form here.
(NOTE: This does not commit you to enter into the competition but does gain you access to important information leading up to the show (welcome email, newsletter updates, access to private Facebook group, key dates, details etc.).

2. To enter the show, you will need to fill in the entry form here.
(NOTE: We require entry payment and photos of your design along with your entry form submission before the entry deadline. These will confirm your entry into the competition. We will send you a reminder to fill in the entry form closer to the deadline.)

3. Bring your design to life and attend our dress rehearsal (day before the show) and the show itself.

See this years Categories here.

Each of the age categories have a distinct theme.

Please review the details provided for the themes to clearly understand requirements as there may be restrictions or guidance on materials used or an explanation on the theme interpretation.

Prizes:

Great prizes for first, second and third winners within each category.

Benefits:

As well as prizes there are a range of perks for designers including tickets to our show, access to our private designers group Facebook page (network with other designers and share experiences) and the opportunity for a profile featuring your work on our website.

Our panel of judges will be evaluating the creativity, innovation, originality and construction of entries. Judging takes place during the dress rehearsal, with winners being announced during the Saturday performance. The judges decision is final.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

1. Concept

* How original was the idea?

* Was it tastefully brought to life?

* How clear is the story?

2. Construction

* How well was the entry made

* Were its features composed well on the body

3. Stage Presence

* How much of an impact did the entry make when on stage?

Entry fee: Student $10.00 per entry, Adult $25 per entry, to be submitted before entry deadline.

Please provide a colour photograph of your design being worn by a model or on a mannequin, front and back, also submitted with entry fee (details on how to do this are contained within the entry form, any issues or questions, please email us at northcanterburywearablearts@gmail.com)

Entries can be submitted by an individual or a team.

Teams can be up to four designers within the group and must all be within the same age category.

The sizes of the wearable art must be able to fit onto our stage and as such cannot be over 200cm tall or 150cm wide.

Models can be provided by NCWA but sizing for your wearable art must be given well in advance so we can make arrangements for a suitable model. Otherwise, you must organise a model to wear your design on stage for both the dress rehearsal and the show night.

Please ensure your piece is safe to wear on stage and that the model can see and breath easily, move with confidence and the piece is not a danger to others (falling pieces, sharp edges / points etc.) Please note: as this is a family friendly, mixed aged show, costumes must be suitable for viewing by all ages and must not contain offensive content.

Designers are responsible for making sure their artworks do not infringe on other creative intellectual property and designs are original.

Entrants must be available to attend the dress rehearsal (day before the show). We also encourage entrants to exhibit their designs after the show if the opportunity is available. Details of the possible locations and durations of exhibit will be advised.

Please note key dates:

Entries open - Now!

Registration closes - 23rd August 2026.

Dress rehearsal - 11th September 2026.

Show and awards - 12th September 2026.