The biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Adelaide Fringe, invites artists from all backgrounds and disciplines to vie for one of South Australia’s most recognisable and beloved cultural honours—the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Poster Prize.
Now open for submissions, the Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition is a distinguished tradition that has, since 1974, launched emerging talent and celebrated bold artistic expression. The winning design will not only serve as the festival’s visual signature across the state and nation, but will also receive a $10,000 cash prize, thanks to the generous support of Lumo Energy.
This year’s theme, “The Simple Pleasures”, invites artists to celebrate the little things that make Fringe fringe. A ticket to something you’ve never heard of before. A backstreet, a goosebump, a bit of glitter that lingers longer than expected. The simple, serendipitous, sometimes sparkly pleasures that swirl together to create something bigger than a festival.
Entrants are encouraged to interpret the spirit of joy, wonder, creativity in everyday places.
Director and CEO of Adelaide Fringe, Heather Croall AM said, “The Poster Competition is a deeply loved tradition at Adelaide Fringe. It represents more than just an image—it captures the heart of the festival. This year’s theme, ‘The Simple Pleasures’, celebrates the unexpected moments that build into extraordinary memories. We look forward to seeing how artists around the world interpret that spirit in their work.”
In addition to the prize money, the winning artist will receive free registration to present an exhibition at Adelaide Fringe 2026 and gain media exposure across the campaign. Previous winners have seen their work emblazoned across posters, trams, merchandise, digital screens and more—cementing their artwork in South Australia’s cultural landscape. The 2026 winner will join an esteemed alumni of artists including Mali Ward, Pro Hart and Driller Jet Armstrong.
Submissions close at 11:59pm ACST on Saturday 17 August 2025. Artists are encouraged to submit early and carefully consider how their work will live across a broad range of formats and contexts—from billboards and buses to the pages of the iconic Fringe guide.
For full competition guidelines and to submit your entry, visit HERE
