There is merit to the saying, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’, but perhaps it should be amended to say ‘one man’s trash is another man’s masterpiece’. Several Brisbane artists have been tasked with creating art out of discarded items for the 2016 Recycling Art Competition, an initiative that seeks to explore the creative potential of giving tossed items a second life and inspiring people to see seemingly useless refuse as objects of use once more. From Friday May 27 to Sunday July 17, the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts will be hosting a free exhibition of work created from tip shop treasures, with a competition for the most popular work taking place concurrently.

Visitors to the exhibition have a chance to vote for their favourite art piece by July 7, and they can also vote on Council’s website, at Council’s tip shops and at Brisbane Square Library. The artists participating in the exhibition and competition this year are Ann Russell, Cate Collopy, Deb Magee, Giuseppe Filardo, Holly Pepper, Katherine Grocott, Michael Vagg, Robert Hains, Scott Maxwell and Will Davy. Based on the public’s votes, first, second and third place will be awarded with winners earning a share of the $4,000 prize money.

The exhibition will also feature a series of tours, meet the artist events, a panel discussion and upcycling workshops for those keen to get creative with their unwanted household items.