2026 ART PRIZE – Prix Yves Hernot

My French Icons

What is your French icon?

A person, a place, an object, an artwork.
A taste, a sound, a style, or something deeply personal.

Show us YOUR French Icon!

Alliance Française de Newcastle is delighted to announce the return of the Prix Yves Hernot Art Prize in 2026, celebrating creativity, imagination and our many different connections with France and French culture.

This year’s theme is “My French Icons”.

From gastronomy and cinema to fashion, sport, music, art, technology, famous personalities or a treasured personal memory, we invite you to show us what France means to you.

Your French icon could be instantly recognisable — or something completely unexpected. Anything that inspires you is fair game! 

Whether you are an emerging or established artist, amateur or professional, we invite you to take part in this vibrant celebration of French culture and creativity.

🎨 Theme: My French Icons

Think about the people, places, flavours, sounds, objects and ideas that you associate with France.

Your inspiration might come from:

Gastronomy • Cinema • Fashion & Design • Sport & Passion • Pop Culture • Art • Music • Technology & Innovation • Literature • Architecture • French Icons & Personal Inspirations

Interpret the theme in your own way and let your creativity take over.

Categories

The Art Prize is open to a wide variety of visual art forms, including:

Painting • Drawing • Photography • Sculpture • Collage • Digital Art • Mixed Media

And more — creativity in all its forms is welcome. 

Eligibility

The competition is open to all ages, with both Youth and Adult prizes.

Both amateur and professional artists are encouraged to participate.

🏆 Prizes

The Prix Yves Hernot is generously supported by our donor Yves Hernot and the Alliance Française de Newcastle.

🖼️ 2026 Art Exhibition

Come and discover the creativity of our local community and explore the many different interpretations of “My French Icons.”

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 November 2026 from 10 AM to 3 PM

📍 Joy Cummings Centre
61–63 Scott Street
Newcastle NSW

The exhibition will be open to the public, with visitors invited to vote for their favourite artwork.

📝 How to Enter

Step 1 – Register

Complete the 2026 Art Prize Entry Form and pay the applicable entry fee.

Step 2 – Create your French Icon

Create an original artwork inspired by the theme “My French Icons.”

Your interpretation can be traditional, contemporary, personal, humorous, nostalgic or completely unexpected.

Step 3 – Submit Your Artwork

Deliver your artwork to Alliance Française de Newcastle before the submission deadline.

Registration Fees

AF Newcastle Members: $10 per artwork
Non-Members: $15 per artwork
Youth Art Prize (under 18): FREE

ENTER THE 2026 ART PRIZE

ENTRY FORM  ENTRY FEE  ENTRY FEE 

Let your creativity speak French!

What represents France to you?

A croissant? The Eiffel Tower? A French film star? A fashion designer? A footballer? A childhood memory? A song? A work of art? A family connection? Or something nobody else would think of?

There is no single French icon — we want to discover yours.

Join us for the 2026 Prix Yves Hernot and share your vision with the Newcastle community.