Submissions for the Adelaide Fringe 2027 Poster Competition Now Open

It's that time of year again when applications open for the Adelaide Fringe 2027 Poster Competition, with artists from all walks of life invited to create the artwork that will hero next year's festival.

The winner will have their artwork plastered across the city and beyond, appearing on posters, signage, digital channels, merchandise and marketing materials as part of the festival's official visual identity. 

Proudly supported by Adelaide University, the 2027 Poster Competition winner not only gets a ton of exposure, but will receive a cool $ 10,000 and be awarded free artist registration to present their own exhibition as part of Adelaide Fringe 2027. 

The 2027 Fringe theme is everyBODY, celebrating Fringe as a festival without barriers, where everyone can participate, create, connect and belong.

"Fringe is a festival without barriers, where everyone can participate, create, connect and belong," reads a statement about this year's theme. "This year we’re inviting artists to celebrate the people who make Fringe what it is. Artists stepping onto the stage. The people, families and friends, sharing a laugh or discovering their new favourite show. The venues, producers, helping artists bring shows to life. The communities that support and shape Fringe. And everyBODY who comes together to create the unique magic of Fringe."

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"Adelaide University is proud to support the Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition and help provide a meaningful opportunity for artists to have their work seen by audiences across South Australia and beyond," said Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor International and External Engagement at Adelaide University. 

"Creativity, access and participation are central to the life of a vibrant city, and this partnership reflects our commitment to supporting artists, ideas and community connection. We are thrilled to help back the winning artist with the $10,000 prize and look forward to seeing how artists respond to the 2027 theme, Fringe for everyBODY."

Adelaide Fringe Audience Executive Director Ella Huisman added, "The Adelaide Fringe poster is one of the most recognisable parts of the festival and a powerful opportunity for an artist to help shape how Fringe is seen and remembered. Each year, the winning artwork captures the spirit of Adelaide Fringe and becomes part of the visual story of our festival and our state. For 2027, Fringe for everyBODY invites artists to celebrate the people, stories and communities that make this festival so unique."

Previous winners of the poster competition include Billie Justice Thompson, John Pedder, Rebecca Davis, Alana Naylor and Mali Isabel. 

After receiving more than 400 entries for this year's Adelaide Fringe, organisers are expecting even more for 2027, with the top 40 designs to be announced in early October of this year, with the winning poster to be revealed later that month. 

Submissions for this year’s Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition close on Sunday 30 August. Artists can find out more details and enter the competition via adelaidefringe.com.au.