The Art & Words Project was established in 2018 by Zena Shapter. In 2019 and 2020, it was supported by the Northern Beaches Library Services and Manly Art Gallery & Museum, which produced two printed anthologies, Saltwater and Portrait.
In 2022, the project converted into a national competition with the theme ‘Tree’ supported by Zena Shapter and the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group.
In 2023 the competition themed ‘Rain’ was supported by Zena Shapter, the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group, and the Northern Beaches Council.
In 2024, the competition themed ‘Glass’ was supported by Zena Shapter and the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group.
From 2025, due to lack of local funding, the competition will only be available to current members of the group.