The Stories We Inherit is a Sydney-wide writing competition for Muslim secondary school students, presented as part of the Sydney Muslim Writers Festival 2026.
Open to Years 7 to 12, the competition invites students to explore storytelling beyond assessment writing and reflect on what they carry from the past into the present.
The Prompt
Inheritance is not always visible
Write about something that was passed down to you, a memory, story, culture, value, or symbol, and explore how it shapes who you are and what you choose to keep, question, or transform.
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Forms accepted: Poetry — Short Prose (Fiction) — Creative Non-Fiction
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Festival Day
Festival Day
Festival Day
Festival Day
1st
$200
Gift card and certificate
2nd
$100
Gift card and certificate
Prizes
Winners will be recognised at the Awards Ceremony and introduced to festival authors. Selected entries may be featured on SMWF platforms.
18 April 2026
18 April 2026
18 April 2026
18 April 2026
Key Dates for submissions
19 January 2026
Launch
28 February 2026
Submissions Close
18 April 2026
Awards Ceremony - (during SMWF)
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MIAA is proudly located on beautiful Dharug country in Granville, Western Sydney.The Museum of Islamic Art Australia (MIAA) respectfully acknowledges the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the museum will be located.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded.
The views expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sydney Muslim Writers Festival. We aim to create a respectful space for sharing diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
Museum of Islamic Art Australia is an initiative ofthe Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA).Funded by the Government of New South Wales West Invest Program.
Museum of Islamic Art Australia is an initiative of the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA). Funded by the Government of New South Wales West Invest Program.
