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The Artbank Prize is a national, open call to Australian artists who are not currently represented in the Artbank collection. One entry will be selected from each state and territory as a finalist to be exhibited at Artbank Sydney. One artwork will be awarded the Artbank Prize, which will be acquired into the Artbank collection, up to the value of AUD 20,000.00.
The prize has been established to recognise and support outstanding contemporary art practices, and to promote access for all Australian artists to present their work for consideration for the Artbank collection. It aims to champion new voices and help grow the breadth of contemporary Australian art represented across the country.
As a national program, Artbank encourages entries from across the country. An exhibition featuring the eight finalists will be held at Artbank’s Sydney premises alongside a series of public programs that celebrate the artists and their works.
Artbank is delighted to announce the esteemed judging panel for the inaugural 2026 Artbank Prize is artist Tony Albert, curator Ellie Buttrose and arts journalist Elizabeth Fortescue. Submissions will be assessed by the Artbank curatorial team, Oliver Watts and Paul Adair, and the panel of three judges, chaired by Artbank Director, Zoë Rodriguez.
Entries for the Artbank Prize are now open.
APPLY HERE
Entries close Friday 13 March 2026, 5pm.
Finalists to be announced Friday 5 June 2026.
Finalist artwork to be ready for collection Friday 26 June 2026.
Exhibition dates Thursday 3 September - Friday 30 October 2026
Prize winner announcement 9:30am Thursday 3 September 2026, Artbank Sydney.
The Artbank Prize is free to enter.
Download Artbank Prize 2026 Guidelines link below
To read FAQ’s click here
For further information or to speak to an Artbank staff member please email ArtbankPrize@artbank.gov.au
