Odyssey Victoria (OV) invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who are accessing our drug and alcohol community services to take part in a special NAIDOC Week 2026 project.
This year’s NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates five decades of strength, resistance, culture, and community. It honours the Elders, organisers, artists, and everyday people who have kept showing up – and looks ahead to the next generations carrying that fire.
Odyssey Victoria encourages staff and artists to read more about NAIDOC and it’s 2026 theme at their website.
The project
Selected artworks will be screen printed onto garments worn by staff and clients during NAIDOC Week. These garments are about visibility, pride, and walking together – a shared expression of culture, survival, and deadly futures.
The selected artist will receive $1,000 to support their artistic practice (held in trust if you are in residential treatment).
What we’re looking for
We invite artwork that reflects:
- Culture, identity, and community
- Healing, strength, and survival
- Resistance, leadership, and pride
- The past, present, and future of our people
- What “Still deadly. Always.” means to you.
All styles and experience levels are welcome – painting, drawing, digital, or mixed media. You don’t need to be a professional artist. Your voice and story matter.
Artists will need to provide a short written explanation of their artwork and how it connects to the theme.
How to submit
- Photograph your artwork
- Complete the online submission form
- Use the online submission portal below
- Odyssey Victoria staff can assist if you need support.
Photographing your artwork:
- Use even, flat lighting (avoid shadows and glare)
- Outdoor photos on an overcast day work well
- Use the best equipment available
- Ensure the artwork is straight and fully in frame.
Who can apply
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples currently accessing Odyssey Victoria drug and alcohol community services. Group works will not be considered.
Important Info
- Artists will be acknowledged if requested
- Artwork will be used for NAIDOC Week garments and future non-profit promotional material
- Cultural integrity and artist consent are central to this project
- Need a yarn or support? Speak with Odyssey Victoria staff.
NAIDOC poster competition
We also encourage artists to submit their artworks to the NAIDOC 2026 poster competition. More information can be found on their website. Submissions close Sunday 1 March 2026.
Submissions close: 16 March 2026
Submit artwork
If you are having trouble submitting, please contact the Odyssey Victoria Graphic Designer: RPicheta@odyssey.org.au
Terms and conditions
Finer details
- Panel selection: All submissions will be reviewed by a panel made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander OV staff, alongside the OV graphic designer.
- Collaboration process: The selected artwork will be adapted for garment printing by the OV graphic designer, in consultation with the artist and OV’s Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Advisor. Any changes will be discussed and agreed upon with the artist.
Print & design guidelines
- Artwork must be created by a single artist
- All artistic mediums are welcome
- Final artwork will be adapted for garment printing; any alterations will be agreed upon with the original artist
- The final design will be printed on garments and will include the OV logo and NAIDOC phrase “Walking Together”
- Final placement will be determined based on design suitability and practicality
What happens to the artwork?
- Original artwork remains the property of the artist
- The selected design will not be used for profit
- The design will be used only for NAIDOC Week apparel and non-profit materials
- A contract outlining usage and consent will be provided to the selected artist
Who will receive the apparel?
Provided free of charge:
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents of OV Therapeutic Communities (t-shirt and fleece)
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander OV staff (t-shirt and fleece)
- All residents of Therapeutic Communities may request a t-shirt
- Peer organisations may be gifted clothing at the discretion of OV staff
Available at a subsidised cost:
- All Odyssey Victoria staff
- Staff may also purchase garments for friends or family
Still deadly
Always
