Thomson’s design features a cheeky cockatoo in full flight — a symbol of fun, curiosity, and creative chaos that perfectly represents the Adelaide Fringe experience. The colourful image bursts with energy and movement, celebrating the laughter and connection that families, children, and artists share during this much-loved community festival. Like a flock of cockatoos arriving at dusk, the Fringe fills Adelaide with colour, conversation, and excitement for people of all ages.

As the official image of Adelaide Fringe 2026, “Cockatoo Call” will soon be seen across South Australia, online, and around the world — inspiring families to explore, play, and experience the arts together.

The Adelaide Fringe Poster Competition, supported by Lumo Energy, includes a $10,000 prize for the winning artist each year. The partnership highlights Lumo’s commitment to supporting South Australian creativity and empowering local artists who bring imagination and energy to the state’s cultural life.

For Billie Justice Thomson, the win is a lifelong dream come true.

“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,” she says.

“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,” said Thomson.

Known for her nostalgic, hyperreal paintings that celebrate everyday Australian life — from colourful botanicals to suburban treasures — Thomson’s art finds joy in the familiar. Her winning design brings that same warmth and wonder to the Adelaide Fringe, celebrating creativity, connection, and the kind of shared fun that families love.

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.”

Each year, artists from around the world enter their work in hopes of creating the visual signature of the Adelaide Fringe. Thomson’s win marks the first exciting milestone of the 2026 season, which will once again transform Adelaide into a playground of imagination, performance, and creativity. Her “Cockatoo Call” design will appear on official Fringe merchandise, city streets, digital campaigns, and global promotions as excitement builds for the festival.