25 March 2026

The annual Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Creative Arts Exhibition is a standout event of Catholic Education Week each year, crescendoing with an awards night for the talented student entries. The 2026 exhibition brimmed with unique creativity, with over 350 works displayed from 500+ entries from hundreds of schools.

MACS is pleased to have welcomed back judges from the National Gallery of Victoria, Zart Art and Australian Catholic University – alongside Most Rev. Peter A Comensoli DD, MACS Executive Director Dr Edward Simons, and members of the MACS Creative Arts Committee.

Beyond the joy of having their artwork curated for display, these exceptional students also received special recognition through the following awards.

Archbishop of Melbourne Award for Religious Art

Jesus’ Crown by Jaydan Tran from Mazenod College, Mulgrave.
A Night at St Patrick’s Cathedral by Audrey Lavery from Holy Trinity Primary School, Eltham North.

Saint Patrick and His Cathedral Award

Saint Patrick in Stained Glass by Sahej Kooner from Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Point Cook.
Saint Patrick with Symbols by Raya Nikrooz from Penola Catholic College.

Executive Director’s Award for Excellence

Saint Patrick in Stained Glass by Sahej Kooner from Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, Point Cook.
Saint Patrick with Symbols by Raya Nikrooz from Penola Catholic College.

Photography and Media Arts Award

A Letter to my 10-Year-Old Self (Video Art) by Aia Vidal from Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy.
Expressions in Transition by Thomas Carvalho DaSilva from St Paul’s Primary School, Coburg.
Expressions in Transition by Gwen Sullivan from St Paul’s Primary School, Coburg.
Expressions in Transition by Alexandra Zavitsanos from St Paul’s Primary School, Coburg.
Expressions in Transition by Youvelle Ylagan from St Paul’s Primary School, Coburg.

Zart Art Sculpture & 3D Art Award

As above, So below – topographic tiny worlds by Year 8 Visual Arts from St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully.
Love not Luck by Dityaa Dabra, Emilia Ganesh from St Francis de Sales Primary School, Lynbrook.
A Rainbow of Love by Advaita Belagali and Elyse Joel from St Francis de Sales Primary School, Lynbrook.
The Love of God by Grace Matthew from St Francis de Sales Primary School, Lynbrook.

National Gallery of Victoria Award for Creativity

Life’s but a walking Shadow by Eliza Leech from Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy.
Tote-ally Me! By Louvelle Ylangan, Daniel Farfoud, Aoibheann O’Donovan, Estelle Jacovou from St Paul’s Primary School, Coburg.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Portraiture Award

Belonging in Bloom by Natalie Tran from Academy of Mary Immaculate, Fitzroy.
A Portrait of Me by Manuela Romero from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Prahran East.

Creative Arts Committee Award

Robe à la Française by Luka Paritsi from Xavier College.
Footsteps through the Landscape by Year 3 artists from Lisieux Catholic Primary School, Torquay.
Swimming together by Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Foundation to Year 6 students from St Monica’s Primary School, Footscray.