A new visual arts competition launching this spring is inviting artists to imagine a future where people and planet thrive.

Titled Climate Canvas: Art for Action, the competition calls on artists across the Bay of Plenty to use their creative talents to give voice to the climate and to the innovations, relationships and ideas that may shape a thriving whenua (land).

Launching as part of the Climate Action Festival 2025, Climate Canvas is a visual arts competition designed to awaken hope, amplify activism, and spark creative conversations around climate change and community resilience.

Organised by Envirohub Bay of Plenty, and proudly supported by Creative Bay of Plenty, artists are encouraged to submit visual artworks that explore ecological systems, social equity, intergenerational thinking, or draw inspiration from positive developments in climate science, technology, or sustainable design.

“This is a space for imagination to lead,” Envirohub project co-ordinator Te Ara Dirkse said.

“We’re asking artists to imagine what comes next, not just in terms of survival, but of resilience, rewilding, and renewal. That might include mātauranga Māori, renewable energy technologies, fantastical and innovative bio-based materials like seaweed and mycelium, creative community projects or anything else that opens up possibility.”

The competition is open to all visual artists with submissions closing October 31, 2025.

Entries must be created on canvas or board – no larger than 22″ x 28″ – and will be judged on originality, environmental sustainability, relevance to climate themes and creative execution.

Finalists will be selected by November 3 and exhibited at The Cargo Shed in the Tauranga CBD from November 13-16 during the Climate Action Festival week.

Winners will be announced at a public awards night, and all finalist works will then move to Matter Gallery for an extended exhibition.

Prizes include: first place $800; second place $400; third place $200; and People’s Choice Award will win $300.

In a world increasingly defined by ecological breakdown, Climate Canvas – Art for Action offers a space for renewal, resistance and regenerative visioning, Dirkse said.

“The future is not just something we inherit – it’s something we create. Let’s make it beautiful.”

Entries open September 17, and close October 31, 2025.

For terms, more information and to enter, visit: https://envirohub.org.nz/programmes/climate-action-festival/.