HOTA Education Awards: Recognition of Next Generation Gold Coast Creatives.

At HOTA, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of artists. We believe in the power of arts and culture to create lasting impact, and we recognise our responsibility to foster creative pathways for young people on the Gold Coast.

The HOTA Education Awards honour the artistic achievements of secondary school students studying the Creative Arts. We believe that acknowledging students' passion, skill, and dedication during their school years helps lay the foundation for a vibrant cultural future in our region.

Each year, HOTA will provide one award per participating school, to be presented to a student who demonstrates enthusiasm, artistic proficiency, leadership, commitment to their practice, and a strong connection to their school’s creative community.

HOTA’s Education team will collaborate with each school to identify a deserving recipient in one of the following categories:

• • HOTA Future Creative: A student in Years 6–10 who demonstrates outstanding promise in one or more areas of the creative arts and has the potential to further develop their skills during their senior schooling. This student may be participating in curricular or co-curricular programs, or may simply demonstrate a strong aptitude, enthusiasm, or flair for the arts, and would benefit from additional encouragement and recognition.

• • HOTA Cultural Leader: A Year 11 or 12 student who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the artistic and cultural life of their school community across any area of the creative arts. The student demonstrates leadership, initiative, and a commitment to the arts through creative practice, collaboration, advocacy, event involvement, peer mentoring, or other meaningful contributions. They also show strong potential, and or intent to pursue further study, or a career in the arts beyond secondary schooling.

Award Stipulations:

• • Each school will receive one award from HOTA for a single student recipient.
  • ◦ Schools may choose the category that best suits their student: HOTA Future Creative or HOTA Cultural Leader.
  • 
    
  • ◦ P–12 campuses may nominate one primary and one secondary student (maximum two awards per P–12 campus).
  • 
    
  • ◦ If applications exceed the number of awards, priority will be given to distributing awards across as many schools as possible. For P–12 campuses requesting two awards, preference will be given to the secondary recipient, and the primary award may be withheld.

• • Schools must be located within the Gold Coast City Council LGA.
• 
  
• • Student names and selected award categories must be submitted by the nominated due date to allow for engraving and certificate printing.
  • ◦ Correct spelling is the responsibility of the school and will be used as submitted.
  • 
    
• • Schools are required to include the approved HOTA logo in their award program or ceremony presentation.
  • ◦ The logo file will be emailed to participating schools prior to Term 4.
  • 
    
• • HOTA Education staff will attend your award ceremony to present the award where possible. If scheduling conflicts arise, the award will be delivered or collected beforehand. Requests for a HOTA representative should be submitted in advance.
• 
  
• • The award is provided in kind at no cost. While there is no fee, schools are encouraged to engage with HOTA through workshops, performances, or exhibitions as a show of support for the HOTA Education Program.
• 
  
• • The award is intended to complement, not replace, existing cultural or arts awards.
  • ◦ HOTA aims to enhance recognition of creative arts education and student achievement.
  • 
    
• • Awards are limited to the first 25 schools that apply.
• 
  
• • Applications must be submitted by a faculty leader with Principal or school leadership approval.
  • ◦ Include contact details for a school administration representative.
  • 
    
• • Awards cannot be provided before 9 October 2026. Schools with earlier ceremonies should plan accordingly.
• 
  

Applications close Monday 7 Sept 2025

You will receive:

• • One physical trophy
• • One certificate
• • One artist statement
• • One HOTA bespoke pin

APPLY NOW.