The Sims Metal Waste 2 Art community art exhibition and competition is back in 2025 with the theme 'The Year of Toys'.
The theme for the 2025 Waste 2 Art community exhibition and competition is 'The Year of Toys'.
Community members of all ages can enter in several different categories
The winners of the Orange competition will progess to the regional competition.
Waste 2 Art provides an innovative approach to waste education by showcasing creative works made from reused waste materials. The aim is to challenge people's perceptions about 'rubbish' and celebrate the reuse and recycling of waste through arts and crafts.
Orange City Council's Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard says Waste 2 Art is increasing in popularity each year, with more than 90 entries last year.
"Waste 2 Art shares its waste reduction message in such a fun and unique way it appeals to a large cross-section of the community, from aspiring and professional artists to schools and community groups," Cr Mallard said.
"More people are becoming aware of the impact of waste on the environment. Waste 2 Art is a great way to highlight the amount of waste that ends up in landfill, while creating a new life for materials that would otherwise have been thrown away or considered useless."
"It also offers a wonderful opportunity for the entire Orange community to showcase their creativity."
The competition includes the following categories:
- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Community
- Open
In each category the following sections are available:
- 2 Dimensional
- 3 Dimensional
- Functional - Utilitarian or serves a purpose
While a specific waste item is featured each year to raise awareness of a particular problem waste stream, 2025 is 'The Year of Toys', entrants don't have to use this material in their artwork.
Over the years many materials have been used, items like soft plastics, tin cans, bottle tops, plastic bags, scrap metal and clothing. Instead of heading to landfill, these waste materials can be turned into fantastic works of art.
Two workshops will also be held at the Environmental Learning Facility in the lead up to the exhibition to teach participants more about toys in the waste stream and provide an opportunity for entrants to receive guidance and inspiration from local artists.
The winners of the Orange competition will progress to the regional competition and exhibition to be held at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo from 20 September to 2 November 2025.
Entry forms are now available for this year's exhibition and competition, which is open to all residents of Orange.
Complete the Waste 2 Art entry form on the website here.
