Thomson’s design features a striking cockatoo in full flight—a cheeky, unmistakably Australian symbol of curiosity and chaos. The artwork captures the raucous joy of Adelaide Fringe, echoing the sound and movement of a city alive with creativity. Like a flock of cockatoos descending at dusk, the festival fills every space with colour, conversation and unbridled energy.

As the official symbol of Adelaide Fringe 2026, the artwork will now appear across South Australia, online and around the world, heralding the season ahead for Australia’s biggest arts festival.

The Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition is proudly supported by Lumo Energy, who this year provide the $10,000 prize to the winning artist. The partnership celebrates Lumo’s commitment to championing South Australian creativity and supporting the artists who power the state’s cultural life. Through this collaboration, Lumo Energy helps shine a light on local talent and brings the magic of Fringe to communities right across the state.

General Manager of Lumo Energy David Holman said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Adelaide Fringe and support this incredible competition that shines a spotlight on South Australian creativity. Congratulations to Billie on her winning design—her artwork captures the community spirit, joy and connection that make Fringe such a beloved part of South Australia. It’s a privilege to help support local artists and be part of a festival that brings people together through creativity.”

Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall said, “Billie’s artwork leaps off the page—it’s bold, joyful and instantly captures that unmistakable Fringe feeling. Every year the poster becomes a window into the festival’s spirit, and Billie’s design celebrates connection, creativity and community in a way that feels completely her own.”

2026 Poster Competition Winner Billie Justice Thomson said, 'It's been a dream of mine since childhood to win the Fringe poster competition. I've been entering for years, so to finally have my artwork chosen feels incredibly special. I wanted the poster to feel loud - in the best possible way. Cockatoos have that wild, social energy that reminds me of the Fringe - they turn up everywhere, they make a bit of noise, and they bring life with them. That's exactly what I love about this festival."

Known for her hyperreal paintings and nostalgic flair, Thomson has built a reputation for celebrating the beauty in the familiar—from stunning botanicals to the hidden details of suburban life. Her Adelaide Fringe design channels that sensibility into a story of collective joy and artistic freedom.

South Australian Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels said, “The Adelaide Fringe poster is always a moment, it’s the first glimpse of the season to come, and this year’s design is nothing short of electric. Billie Justice Thomson has created an image that will stop people in their tracks and remind them why Fringe is such a special part of our state’s identity.”

Each year, artists from around the world submit their work to become the visual signature of Adelaide Fringe. Today’s reveal marks the first major milestone of the 2026 season—one that will see thousands of artists, venues and audiences once again transform Adelaide into a playground of imagination and possibility.

The winning artwork now rolls out across Adelaide Fringe merchandise, city streets, digital campaigns and global promotions as anticipation builds for the 2026 festival.