DOWNLOAD COMPETITION INFORMATION
To celebrate the new Futures Institute at Dollar Academy, we’re inviting the young people of Dollar (age 10 to 18 years) to design an exciting piece of public art that could be displayed on the Dollar Academy campus.
This is your chance to think like an artist, designer, or creative problem-solver. Your artwork should be designed for a public space — somewhere people might walk past, gather, or spend time. Need some inspiration?
Click here to see some examples of public art.
The Theme
UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
The United Nations (that’s the organisation that brings countries around the world together) has a list of goals to make the world a better place. One of those goals (Goal 16) is about making sure every community is safe, fair, and looked after — and that’s what this competition is all about. Find out more here.
So, think about Dollar. What makes it a great place to live? What could make it even better? What do you want it to look like in 20 years’ time?
- People being treated fairly and included
- Looking out for each other in your community
- Feeling safe and heard
- What makes Dollar, Dollar?
Show your own creative vision for what public art can be – there’s no right or wrong answer here
What Could You Design?
Your idea could be:
- A sculpture or monument
- An installation
- A functional piece of artwork — such as seating, a marker, a shelter, or a feature piece
Don’t worry about technical details — ideas and creativity matter most at this stage. Click here to see some examples of public art.
Who Can Enter?
You can take part if you:
- Live in Dollar, and/or
- Go to school in Dollar (Strathdevon Primary School / Dollar Academy)
- Are a pupil from Primary 5 to S6 (Form 6)
There is no single right answer. We are looking for originality, meaning, and strong storytelling.
Concept Description
Alongside your design, submit a written explanation (up to 350 words) explaining:
- What your idea is
- What inspired it
- Where it might go and what materials it could use
REMEMBER: The judges want to understand your thinking, your story, and what you want your artwork to say.
How to Enter
You can create your design using any medium — hand-drawn sketches, diagrams, collage, digital design, or a 3D model. Follow the steps below to submit your entry and be in with the chance of seeing your idea become a permanent part of the Dollar.
- Create your design: Draw, sketch, model or design your artwork idea using any medium you like — pencil and paper, digital tools, collage, or a small model.
- Tell us about your design: Write a short piece explaining your idea — What your idea is, what inspired it.
- Get your entry ready: Before you click on the submission link below, take a photo of your idea and/or save your design as an image (JPG or PNG) and make sure you have your written description ready. To submit your entry you will also need to include: your full name, year group, your school, and the best way to contact you.
- Submit your entry: use this online form to submit your entry: Public Art Installation Competition submission form
- Produce your artwork! The winner will work with a local artist and have the design made into a permanent art installation on the Dollar Academy campus.
Key Dates
- 1 June 2026 | Competition opens
- 25 June 2026 | Submission deadline
- August 2026 | Winner announced
- Sept – Dec 2026 | Winner works with local artist to create installation
- Early 2027 | Winning artwork installed on campus and revealed at the Futures Institute opening celebration event
Why Take Part?
This is a rare and real opportunity. Your ideas could shape something that lasts for decades — and that everyone in Dollar can see, enjoy and connect with.
- Your idea could become a permanent part of Dollar
- Be inspired by and learn from professional architects and designers
- Explore art, storytelling, and community in a meaningful way
- Contribute to a project connected to the UN Sustainable Development goals
- Celebrate what makes Dollar unique — and help define its future
Good Luck!
We can’t wait to see what you create. For competition queries, email: mcfarlane-re@dollaracademy.org.uk