Fire & Flourish Lantern Project

This theme explores the powerful duality of fire — both as a force of destruction and as a vital element in the cycle of renewal. And, allows for exploration of the cultural and spiritual significance of fire for First Nations people— as a symbol of ceremony, ritual, and a medium of communication, and a tool for managing and caring for country.  

Through this project, we’d love to honour these cultural connections to fire, while also celebrating its role in growth and rebirth. The garden aspect of the theme brings in ideas of nature, harmony, and new beginnings — with imagery of the beauty and rebirth it brings with plants or flowers emerging from the warmth and light of the sun. Your challenge is to capture this relationship in a vibrant artwork that will glow when placed inside a lantern. 

Join visual artist Sam Harrison for a free in-person workshop to perfect your lantern artwork. Date: Wednesday 2nd July from 1pm at Mt Gravatt Community Centre.

Paper & Layout 

• Use A4-sized paper in portrait orientation. 

• Choose a light-coloured background, such as white or cream. 

• If painting a background, use a very pale colour (e.g. light yellow) to enhance the contrast. 

Colours & Design 

• Use bright and bold paint colours for the artwork. 

• Keep details simple and clear—avoid tiny, intricate patterns. 

• Strong lines and shapes will create the best visual impact. 

• Leave some areas white or pale to enhance contrast when illuminated. 

Testing Your Artwork 

• Hold your design up to a sunny window to see how the light shines through. 

• Adjust your colours and details if necessary to make the artwork more striking. 

• Each school may submit up to two artworks. 

• Artwork should be flat and unframed. 

• Ensure your name, age, school name and title of artwork are enclosed when submitting your artwork.  

• Submit your entry by Friday 27 June 2025 through one of two methods:  

• Via the online form: the artwork should be in PDF format and no less than 300dpi. 

• Via post to Brisbane Festival’s PO box: PO Box 384, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.  

• If submitted via post, please provide the following details: Artist name, Best email contact, age of applicant, and school name (if applicable).  

Artworks will be shortlisted by Brisbane Festival based upon the suitability of the submitted artwork, including correct size, format and contrast. Shortlisted artworks will then be judged by Brisbane based visual artist Sam Harrison.  

Submissions will be assessed based on: 

• Creativity and originality in representing the theme Fire & Flourish 

• Use of bold and bright colours. 

• Effectiveness when illuminated. 

• Overall composition and clarity. 

Winning entries will feature as full sized lanterns in Afterglow, the immersive fire installation at City Botanic Gardens as part of Brisbane Festival this September. Each winning entry will also receive a family pass to attend the Afterglow preview on Thursday 4 September. Find out more about Afterglow here.

We encourage all participants to explore Fire & Flourish and let their imagination shine! We look forward to seeing your brilliant designs light up our lanterns.