Are you an artist looking to gain exposure?

For our inaugural issue, we are inviting the Illawarra community to show us who we are, what we create and the stories we have to share. The Illawarra Presents is a new free monthly magazine celebrating the people, ideas and creative activity shaping our region. We welcome contributions from people who live, work, study, create or perform in the Illawarra.
You do not need to identify as a professional artist, writer or performer.

ISSUE 1 THEME: US
What does 'Us' mean to you? Your submission might explore identity, community, belonging, life in the Illawarra, people who deserve greater recognition, the experiences that connect or distinguish us, or something you believe represents our region. The theme is inspiration, not a restriction.

WE WELCOME

• Literary work

• ​Photography

• Original artwork

• Illustration

• Comics and sequential art

• Links from bands, musicians and performers.

Statement regarding use of artificial intelligence (AI)
We welcome thoughtful experimentation with AI and ask contributors to be transparent about its use. Disclosure is not intended to penalise or stigmatise AI-assisted work, but to support openness and informed discussion about how creative work is made.
AI contribution includes any substantive use of AI in developing the work—for example, generating or substantially editing text, images, audio or other creative material; developing concepts or structure; or using AI-generated material as part of the final submission. Routine tools such as spelling, grammar or basic autocorrect do not need to be disclosed.
If AI has contributed to your submission, please briefly note the tool used, how it was used, and the extent of its contribution to the final work.

LIMITS

• Prose: 1,000 words.

• Poetry: up to three poems or 100 lines combined.

• Photography, artwork and illustration: up to five works.

• Longer work may be submitted as a synopsis and excerpt.

YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS
Under 16s require parent or guardian consent. Contributors aged 16–18 require endorsement from a teacher.

DEADLINE: Monday 28 September 2026.

HOW TO SUBMIT
You can submit your work via the form on this site, or you can email your submission to: editorial@theillawarrapresents.com.au with the subject: ISSUE 1 SUBMISSION [YOUR NAME] [CATEGORY]. Include your name, age, contact details, short biography, Illawarra connection, submission or link, a brief description and confirmation that the work is original and available for consideration. Include consent or endorsement where required.

Every submission will receive brief editorial feedback. Submission does not guarantee publication. Creators retain ownership of their work.

Future themes: Issue 2 — Behind the Curtain. Issue 3 — New Beginnings.