South Australia’s Billie Justice Thomson Wins Adelaide Fringe Poster Design for 2026
Billie Justice Thomson’s winning design will be used to promote the Adelaide Fringe 2026.
Image Billie Justice Thomson
Great news today, with SA artist Billie Justice Thomson revealed as the winner of the 2026 Adelaide Fringe Poster competition.
Thomson is known for her hyperreal paintings, celebrating the beauty in the familiar. According to press material, Thomson’s winning design, named Cockatoo Call, captures “the heartbeat of the festival: a joyful collision of people, performance, and creative energy.”
The artwork features a cockatoo in full flight and will be the official symbol of Adelaide Fringe 2026, appearing in advertising across South Australia, online and around the world.
This year’s competition was proudly supported by Lumo Energy, who share Adelaide Fringe’s commitment to supporting creativity in South Australia’s art sector. They also stumped up the $10,000 cash prize that has been awarded to Thomson.
“It's been a dream of mine since childhood to win the Fringe poster competition,” Thomson exclaimed. “I've been entering for years, so to finally have my artwork chosen feels incredibly special. I wanted the poster to feel loud - in the best possible way. Cockatoos have that wild, social energy that reminds me of the Fringe - they turn up everywhere, they make a bit of noise, and they bring life with them. That's exactly what I love about this festival.
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General Manager of Lumo Energy David Holman said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Adelaide Fringe and support this incredible competition that shines a spotlight on South Australian creativity. Congratulations to Billie on her winning design — her artwork captures the community spirit, joy and connection that make Fringe such a beloved part of South Australia. It’s a privilege to help support local artists and be part of a festival that brings people together through creativity.”
Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall added, “Billie’s artwork leaps off the page — it’s bold, joyful and instantly captures that unmistakable Fringe feeling. Every year the poster becomes a window into the festival’s spirit, and Billie’s design celebrates connection, creativity and community in a way that feels completely her own.”
South Australian Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels said, “The Adelaide Fringe poster is always a moment, it’s the first glimpse of the season to come, and this year’s design is nothing short of electric. Billie Justice Thomson has created an image that will stop people in their tracks and remind them why Fringe is such a special part of our state’s identity.”
Adelaide Fringe 2026 will be held from 20 February to 22 March. You can keep up-to-date with everything that’s happening via the Adelaide Fringe website.
