Built Environment Awards - Urban Photography Competition entry form
We are seeking photographers of all ages and abilities to engage with the Inner West urban landscape.
Images must in some way feature, reference or comment on heritage attributes of our built environment.
The Inner West Council local government area is full of uniquely interesting places, spaces, and details which may evoke strong emotive responses.
We are specifically seeking your contemporary perspective on the layers of urban fabric around us.
A word from the judges
- Theme: Unearthed
- Location of subject(s): In the Inner West local government area
Council invites photographers to take part in this year’s competition under the theme Unearthed, held in conjunction with the 2025 National Trust theme for the Australian Heritage Festival. This is your chance to explore the overlooked, the forgotten, and the untold.
The judges are looking for images that uncover and reveal examples of hidden heritage within the Inner West LGA. We encourage photographers to venture beyond the obvious - to explore back streets, peek behind buildings, and discover what lies beneath the surface of everyday places.
Photographs might include:
- Abandoned heritage buildings or sites that have faded from view;
- Historical landmarks tucked away or obscured by urban development; and
- Cultural stories that haven't made it into the mainstream.
The judges are especially interested in photographs that:
- Capture the essence of a forgotten, lost or hidden past;
- Use creative photographic techniques to bring hidden stories to light; and
- Surprise and enlighten the viewer with unique subject matter.
This is an opportunity to document the richness of heritage that surrounds the Inner West - if we only stop to look.
Explore. Discover. Reveal.
What will you uncover in the Inner West?
Entry criteria
- Photos must be taken within the Inner West Council area.
- The entry form must be completed and submitted with the image.
- The subject matter must feature or comment (at least in part) on heritage built fabric, and broadly fit into this year’s theme: ' ‘Unearthed'.
- Submitted photographs must meet the requirements as detailed on the 'Photo Entry' page.
- The submission must be the work of the individual/s named as the photographer/s on the application form.
- A maximum of three (3) images may be submitted per Photographer. Any additional photographs received thereafter will not be judged.
- Entries open Thursday 18 April 2025 and close Sunday 13 July 2025 at 11:59pm.
About the photography awards
The winner will be announced at the awards presentation event in October 2025. Finalists' photos will be exhibited at the event, and an online exhibition of all finalists will be on the Council website as well as exhibited at Council’s library following the awards.
Applications
- Open: 18 April 2025
- Close: 13 July 2025
Prizes
- General category: $1,000
- High school category: $150
- Primary school category: $50
- Opportunity exists for the school of a winning student to participate in a workshop with a professional photographer.
Judges
A judging panel of two or more people may include:
- A photographic teacher or curator
- Council's Cultural, Urban Design, History Services Officer or Heritage Advisor
- A commercial photographer, or head of photography, and/or
- Other relevant industry professional.
Conditions
Inner West Council reserves the right to:
- Not accept entries whose content does not meet the entry criteria.
- Retain, and or reproduce and publish entries, including images for future, permanent exhibition, archival and promotional purposes by Council, ensuring credit to the photographer.
- Clearance for public promotion of photographer's name and submitted work.
- Image user rights: Usage rights will be given to Inner West Council.
- Photographs will be used in promotion of various Council initiatives (print and digital).
Applications to be received before 11:59pm, Sunday 13 July 2025.
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