Wollongong Art Prize
First lighting up the local art scene in 1956, the Wollongong Art Prize returns with a renewed and contemporary vision.
Wollongong Art Prize (Acquisitive) is a national prize, open to all Australian artists. Now reimagined for a new generation, the competition invites submissions from artists working across all mediums. With a strong emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement, the prize seeks to showcase the breadth and vitality of contemporary art practice.
$32,000 total prize pool
The Wollongong Art Prize opens a door of opportunity to our new generation of artists with a significant $32,000 prize pool on offer. The prize winners and selected artworks will be showcased in the Gallery from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026.
Entries extended until 28 September
The Wollongong Art Prize is a biennial art competition. Entries are open now until Sunday 28 September 2025.
Artists are encouraged to contribute to this exciting new chapter in the Illawarra’s artistic legacy. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
Important information
Wollongong Art Prize (Acquisitive) is a national prize, open to all Australian artists. Entries are limited to one work per entrant, must be the original work of the entrant and have been completed in the 18 months (after 31 January 2024).
The prize invites submissions from artists working across all mediums including ceramic, collage, drawing, painting, photography, print, sculpture, textile, video and watercolour.
A non-refundable entry fee of $50.00 + GST is paid on entering the Prize.
For full terms and conditions visit Eligibility and entry requirements.
Entries Open: Now - Sunday 28 September 2025
Announcement of Finalists: Monday 27 October 2025
Delivery of Works: Finalists will be contacted, with finalists works to delivered to the gallery from Tuesday 11 - Sunday 23 November 2025
Exhibition opening and announcement of prize winners: Friday 5 December 2025 at the Wollongong Art Prize exhibition opening
Exhibition dates: Saturday 6 December 2025 - Sunday 1 March 2026
Collection of exhibited works: Tuesday 3 March - Friday 13 March 2026
This year’s prize pool reflects the significance of the occasion.
The Top Gong for the Gong - $25,000: Open to all Australian artists. The winning work is acquisitive to the Wollongong Art Gallery
Local Artist Award - $5,000: Open to local artists, this non-acquisitive prize is proudly supported by the Friends of Wollongong Art Gallery.
People's Choice Award - $2,000: Open to all Australian artists. This non-acquisitive prize will be decided through a public vote.
A curatorial committee will select entries to be showcased as finalists in the 2025 Wollongong Art Prize exhibition.
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Kristen Sharp, Director and CEO of the National Art School, will serve as this year’s judge.
Kristen is a leading figure in contemporary art, with a background in academic leadership, curatorial practice, and international research. Her work explores public art, urban space, and sound art, and she has led major projects across the Asia-Pacific region.
She is also widely published, including co-authoring Screen Ecologies (MIT Press, 2016), and is known for her interdisciplinary approach to art and urban culture.
If selected as a finalist, your work will be displayed in the Wollongong Art Prize exhibition.
- No entries may be removed during the exhibition,
- Insurance is the full responsibility of the entrant; Wollongong Art Gallery will exercise all care but will accept no liability or responsibility for loss or damage of works,
- Entrants shall allow their work to be reproduced for publicity purposes and waive any copyright fee in this instance,
- The names of all exhibition finalists will be published both online and in print.
