Q.     When is SWAG 2026?

A.      The 2026 Sydney Wearable Art Gala will be held over two nights in November 2026, at the Enmore Theatre.

Q.     If my entry is successful and I am a participant in the Gala, when do I need to be available?

A.      All participants must be available and attend rehearsals on specific days the week of the Gala. Failure to attend rehearsals or safety briefings may result in removal from the Gala. (These dates have not been locked in yet, and will be confirmed closer to the Gala. Detailed schedule of preparation and performance times is included in 4.1 of the terms and conditions)

Q.     Can anyone enter?

A.      This year the Sydney Wearable Art Gala - SWAG - is open to all Australian citizens residing in Australia in 2026.

You must be over 16 years of age at the time of lodging your entry.

Q.     What is the cost to apply?

A.      There is no application fee. It is free to submit your application for SWAG. However, successful applicants will need to pay a nominal fee to be involved in the Gala. This will cover the cost of your insurance at the theatre, and you will also receive a SWAG T-shirt and the SWAG Showbook.

Q.      Do I need to be a NSW Tafe student to apply?

A.      No, but successful applicants will need to enrol in a NSW Tafe Short course “SWAX experience”. This will involve WHS training and safety at the theatre. This is a non-negotiable part of being involved in the Gala.

Q.      When is the deadline to apply?

A.      Applications close Friday 23rd October 2026 at 11:59pm.

Q.      Can I enter with friends or as a business?

A.      Entries may be entered by individuals, or teams of up to 3 designers/makers, but not as a business entity.

Q.      Can I enter more than once?

A.      Yes, but only one design per category.

Q.      Do I have to wear my own creation?

A.      No, you can choose to get your own model over the age of 16 to model for you.

If you are unable to wear your own creation on stage you need to organise someone who will represent you in the Gala. Unfortunately we cannot organise models to wear for you.

Q.      Is there an award for young creators?

A.         Applicants between the age of 16 and 20 years of age are eligible for the Young Achiever Award in each category.

Q.      Does the work need to be a new creation?

A.         Entries must be the original work of the designer, and must have been completed within a 12 month period prior to the closing date.

Q.      Can I enter my wearable art if it has been entered/exhibited/displayed in another competition?

A.         Yes. Entries may have been entered into other competitions, but this must be disclosed at the time of entry. Work does not need to have been created for this Gala, but must fit the categories. Work that has been shown elsewhere is eligible to win individual categories, but wearable art that has previously won a prize will not be eligible for the Grand Swagger award.

Q.      Can I display my sponsors mark or label?

A.      No. The display of existing trademarks, logos or brands on any entry is not permitted.

Q.      When will I see the full conditions of entry?

A.      Detailed conditions of entry are now available, and can be viewed on the Entry Form page.

Some dates for 2026’s gala are still being confirmed, so to stay informed we recommend signing up for the Sydney Wearable Art program mailing list by filling out the form on the contact page.

Q.      When will I find out if I have been selected for the Gala Show?

A.      After the closing date all applicants will be reviewed, and entrants will be notified by email by the end of the day Friday 30th Oct 2026 if they have been successful.

We hope that has answered all your questions, but if not, contact us via the contact page.