From Genesis to Salvation: Students explore faith through art at 2026 Clancy Prize
From the wonder of creation to the hope of redemption, secondary students from across the Sydney Archdiocese have showcased their faith through art at the 2026 Clancy Religious Art Prize and exhibition.
Held on Friday 16 October at Australian Catholic University's McGlade Gallery, this year's exhibition attracted 85 entries, showcasing the artistic talents of students as they explored their connection to the word of God through painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media.
The 2026 theme, Origins to Destiny: From Genesis to Salvation, invited students to reflect on the great story of faith, from the wonder of creation to the hope of redemption. Drawing inspiration from Scripture, Catholic imagery and the rich tradition of sacred art, students were encouraged to interpret moments from salvation history through their own artistic vision.
The theme also encouraged students to look to the masterpieces of the Renaissance, particularly the Sistine Chapel frescoes painted by Michelangelo and other artists. Through colour, form, movement and symbolism, these works have brought biblical stories to life for generations, providing a powerful example of how art can communicate the richness of the Christian tradition.
Among this year's outstanding works was Mount St Joseph Milperra student Isabella's piece Devotion, which received the Executive Director's Award. An intimate drawing of Mary holding Jesus after his death, the artwork explores faith through grief, vulnerability and surrender.
"I have chosen to depict faith not through triumph, certainty or success, but through struggle, vulnerability and surrender," said Isabella.
"Mary's grief does not diminish her devotion; rather, it reveals its depth. Through Devotion, I seek to portray faith in its most vulnerable form, not as an escape from suffering, but as the courage to remain devoted within it."
The Clancy Prize was first launched in 1999 by Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Edward Clancy, who recognised the importance of religious art as a powerful force in the service of humanity.
Today, it's open to all Sydney Archdiocese secondary students, offering them a chance to celebrate their connection to God and the Catholic tradition, and to showcase their extraordinary talents in the visual arts.
This year's exhibition will remain open to the public until Friday 23 October.
Congratulations to this year's participants and award recipients.
2026 CLANCY RELIGIOUS ART PRIZE WINNERS
The Executive Director's Award
Isabella Baran – Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra
Devotion
The Monsignor Doherty Prize
Seren Bruce – Marist Catholic College North Shore
The Weight of Sorrow
The Monsignor Doherty Prize – 2nd place
Isabella Ngo – Casmir Catholic College Marrickville
Daily Bread
The Monsignor Doherty Prize – 3rd place
Marist Sisters' Catholic College Woolwich
Blueprints of Belonging
The Brian Jordan Prize
Elizabeth Poh and Charlize Valero – Freeman Catholic College Bonnyrigg
The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us
The Brian Jordan Prize – 2nd place
Holy Cross Catholic College Ryde
Covenant
The Brian Jordan Prize – 3rd place
Yelena Son & Allana Hans-Tran – Clancy Catholic College West Hoxton
The Covenant of Light
Br Kelvin Canavan Prize
Sarina Tooshejoo – LaSalle Catholic College Bankstown
Divine Pathway
ACU Award
Gabriel Chimon – Patrician Brothers' Catholic College Fairfield
Jonah and the Whale: Deep Destiny
ACU Award
Yan Ru Rhou – Trinity Catholic College Auburn
Beauty in Decay
ACU Award
Sarah Cortes – Our Lady of Sacred Heart Catholic College Kensington
Rays of faith
ACU Award
De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah
Sculpture Crowned in Light, Mended in Gold
ACU Award
Vivian Yang – Trinity Catholic College Auburn
Painting The Fall
ACU Award
Lucy Flynn – Loreto Kirribilli
Drawing Two by Two
