Charts 2025
A month-long celebration of local arts, culture and creativity in Circular Head.
The CHArts Festival is back for 2025 – and it’s bigger, bolder and more community-focused than ever. Spanning the region, CHArts brings together artists, performers, creatives and community members to showcase the incredible talent and spirit of Circular Head.
What’s On
This year’s program features a vibrant mix of new events and returning favourites, including:
- MOO’D – A day of food, music and family fun at the Duck River Pavilions & Study Centre
- Spring Swim – Take a dip at Godfrey’s Beach, Stanley as this much-loved tradition returns
- Sounds Around Town – Live performances in unexpected places across Smithton
- Exhibitions & Gallery Openings – Experience the region through the eyes of local artists
- Creative Workshops, Pop-ups & More – Activities for all ages and interests
Program Now Available
The full festival program is now available!
Explore the full lineup of events, venues and times – and start planning your CHArts experience today.
Key Information
- Entries close: Monday, 18 August 2025
- Exhibition opens: 31 August 2025, as part of the CHArts Festival
- Prizes: Cash prizes awarded across all categories – including youth divisions – and the prestigious $2,000 CHArtchibald Award
Why CHArts?
CHArts (Circular Head Arts) is a grassroots celebration of our region’s creativity, connection and community spirit. Whether you’re an artist, music lover, local resident or visiting guest, CHArts 2025 invites you to discover, create and connect.
CHArts Competitions 2025
Competitions Information
Artists of all ages – this is your time to shine!
Entries are now open for the 2025 CHArts Competitions, giving Tasmanian creatives a platform to share their work and feature in this year’s major exhibition as part of the CHArts Festival.
This document is your essential guide to the competition—it includes everything you need to know, from eligibility and categories to framing, drop-off dates and collection info. 📄 A Signature Form (included in the document) must be completed and submitted with all entries
Adult Competition Categories
- CHArtchibald – Our own take on the Archibald Prize
- Art – Any theme, any style: painting, drawing, sculpture or mixed media
- Photography – Open theme, but the $1,000 Bendigo Bank Prize will go to a Circular Head landscape
- Writing – short stories or poetry – 500 words or less
Youth Competition: Theme – “Community”
What does “community” mean to you?
This year’s youth competition invites young artists to reflect on the people, places, and shared stories that make Circular Head special.
Categories:
- Art – painting, drawing, sculpture or mixed media
- Photography
- Writing
Open to two school divisions:
- Grades 5–8
- Grades 9–12
Ready to enter or want to learn more?
Can anybody enter?
The CHArts Festival is open to all Tasmanian artists.
Artists of all ages – this is your time to shine!
Entries are now open for the 2025 CHArts Competitions, giving Tasmanian creatives a platform to share their work and feature in this year’s major exhibition as part of the CHArts Festival.
This document is your essential guide to the competition—it includes everything you need to know, from eligibility and categories to framing, drop-off dates and collection info. 📄 A Signature Form (included in the document) must be completed and submitted with all entries
Adult Competition Categories
- CHArtchibald – Our own take on the Archibald Prize
- Art – Any theme, any style: painting, drawing, sculpture or mixed media
- Photography – Open theme, but the $1,000 Bendigo Bank Prize will go to a Circular Head landscape
- Writing – short stories or poetry – 500 words or less
Youth Competition: Theme – “Community”
What does “community” mean to you?
This year’s youth competition invites young artists to reflect on the people, places, and shared stories that make Circular Head special.
Categories:
- Art – painting, drawing, sculpture or mixed media
- Photography
- Writing
Open to two school divisions:
- Grades 5–8
- Grades 9–12
Ready to enter or want to learn more?
Competitions Frequently Asked Questions
Can anybody enter?
The CHArts Festival is open to all Tasmanian artists.
How do I enter?
Online by selecting “Competition Information” and then “Apply Now” above. Online entries must be done by 5pm Monday 18 August 2025.
Is there a fee?
No! Thanks to Circular Head Council and our generous sponsors entry is free.
When and where do I take my work?
Work must be delivered to the CHArts Pop-Up Gallery (59 Emmett Street, Smithton) between 10am and 5pm on Thursday 21 August or Friday 22 August.
If you can’t make those dates, contact us to make other arrangements.
What are the categories and is there a theme?
CHArtchibald Portrait Prize – must be a past or present human identity from the Circular Head region.
Open Art Prize – (any medium) – no theme
Photography – no theme*
Sculpture – no theme
Youth grades 5 to 8 and grades 9 to 12 – theme ‘Community’
*The Smithton and Districts Community Bank Acquisition Prize is for a Circular Head photograph.
I want to enter the CHArtchibald but I don't know any Circular Head people...
No problem! We can help with a list of suggested people. Our contact details are at the bottom of this page.
How many works can I submit?
You can enter up to 3 pieces per category.
Does work need to be framed?
Yes, all wall-hung works should be ready to hang (e.g. framed or with suitable hanging wire/hooks).
Can I enter work that has already been shown?
All works must be original and not previously exhibited anywhere in Tasmania.
Can I sell my work?
Yes, you’re welcome to sell your artwork. However, you will need to organise payment and collection directly with the buyer. Please note: no commission will be taken.
Will my work definitely be shown?
Yes! As long as we have enough space, all work will be displayed.
