· Open worldwide · Entry free ·
Send us your finest contraption, canvas or creation.
Steampunk Australia invites artists everywhere, painters, illustrators, sculptors, photographers, leatherworkers, costume-makers, tinkerers and contraption-builder, to submit original work with a meaningful connection to the steampunk theme. AUD $2,000 in prizes across two titles, judged by real humans and decided by real votes. Open to artists 18 and over, all skill levels, up to three free entries each.
⚑ Made by hand & mind — no AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork
Two Prizes, Two Ways to Win
Decided by the panel
The Judges' Grand Prize — Skill
AUD $1,500A panel of judges scores every entry against the published criteria — originality and imagination, craftsmanship and technical execution, interpretation of the steampunk theme, and overall artistic impact. The highest score takes:
- The title International Steampunk Artist of the Year 2026
- A permanent featured artist page (for as long as the site operates)
- An interview on Steampunk Radio and up to 12 months of promotion
- A digital winner's seal — and the winning artwork as the face of the 2027 competition
Decided by the public
The People's Choice — Public Vote
AUD $500Decided entirely by verified public vote on this website. The entry with the most valid votes takes:
- The title World Steampunk People's Choice Winner 2026
- A featured artist page and a digital winner's seal
- Up to three months of promotion through Steampunk Australia and Steampunk Radio
One artist may win both prizes. Rally your friends for the People's Choice — the Judges' Prize can't be swayed by numbers, only by craft. Up to 20 finalists join our online exhibition and are honoured on the Top 20 Finalists of the Past page.
The Machine's Schedule
- Entries open 16 July 2026
- Entries close 30 November 2026
- Public voting 7 Dec – 24 Jan 2027
- Finalists announced On or around 1 February 2027
- Winners announced 8 February 2027
All times are Australia/Sydney — entrants overseas should convert the closing time into their local time.
The Judges
Every entry is judged by real humans. Judges score independently against the published criteria before conferring. Judges and their immediate families may not enter.
Dr Spurling is notoriously well known for her books and documentaries exploring
Australian military history and military cover-ups, bringing a
meticulous eye for detail, research and storytelling to everything she creates.
Having partnered in an art gallery and being an art collector, Dr Spurling also
brings valuable experience in evaluating artistic merit, originality and
craftsmanship.
Name, credentials and bio to come.
Name, credentials and bio to come.
The Fine Print
The competition is presented by Steampunk Australia and promoted by Digital Education Systems Pty Limited, ABN 46 685 560 963. Entry is free, entrants keep full copyright of their work, and no purchase is necessary. Read the full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy before entering. Questions: steampunkau2026@gmail.com