Canberra’s favourite people’s choice art award is back for its 20th year, and this year Strathnairn Squares is bigger than ever. 

For the first time, the exhibition spans two galleries: the Woolshed at Strathnairn Arts and The Link Artspace at Ginninderry. Strathnairn School has participated en masse, with 160 artworks created by every student from early learning through to Year 2, plus teachers.

Open to young or old, professional or hobbyist, abstract or surrealist – every artist is welcome to participate in the Squares exhibition. Participants receive a 12″x12″ canvas and create whatever speaks to them. It’s a people’s choice exhibition where community votes, artwork gets displayed, and every creator sees their work valued and celebrated.

Strathnairn School joins in

Thanks to a grant from Ginninderry, every child at Strathnairn School is a part of the exhibition. Early learning children created colourful first artworks, thumbprints forming caterpillars, rainbows, hearts with decorations. Older students brought more developed artistic expression. Teachers also participated, sharing their own perspectives and cultural heritage.

Chae Kim, Community Engagement Officer, explains the approach: “We went with the theme of connection, which is one of our school values. Everyone just did something around the connection, something that they feel connected to.”

Jess Stewart, Ginninderry’s Head of Sustainability and Community Development, emphasises the value: “I love that it engages the school kids in art and brings them over to Strathnairn Arts. It shows a real snapshot in time of what they’re interested in, what they’re learning and seeing from their eyes. Just really letting the kids be creative is perfect.”

Over the next four weeks, every participating student will visit the exhibition with their families and teachers, 160 kids walking through the gallery seeing their own work displayed professionally! 

How you can get involved

Head on down to The Link or The Woolshed to see this year’s entrants and vote for your favourites. Some of the pieces are even available to purchase. 

Strathnairn Squares 2026 runs across the Woolshed Gallery at Strathnairn Arts (90 Stockdill Drive, Holt) and The Link Artspace at Ginninderry (1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn). Strathnairn Arts opening hours: Wednesday through to Sunday, 10am – 4pm. 

For more information, visit strathnairn.com.au or call Ginninderry on 1800 316 900.