Artist Opportunities
Are you an artist looking for your next big opportunity?
We have compiled a list of artist opportunities currently seeking applications.
Madeleine Preston Female Artist Award
Supporting and encouraging Australian female visual artists based in New South Wales to develop and advance their artistic practice
Established in 2026, the Madeleine Preston Female Artist Award celebrates artistic achievement and recognises the impact of Australian female visual artists on the Australian contemporary art landscape. The accompanying funds acknowledge this achievement and may be used at the awarded artists’ discretion.
Entries Close 25 September 2026
The Apocaloptimists.
Presented by Creative Plus Business with support from the City of Sydney and BrandX
AI is cramping our vibe, the economy is playing hard to get, and the news feels like a sci-fi thriller gone wrong—fun times! But rather than curling into a ball, doomscrolling, or throwing in the towel, the next THRIVE Connect event will try something radical… defiant optimism. We’re gathering Sydney’s sharpest creative minds to innovate, support each other, and rewrite the rules.
27 August 2025, Register for Free
Creative and cultural residency – Vaucluse House
Expressions of interest now open – A 12 month creative residency in a unique harbourside heritage setting.
Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong Artist applications open
This exhibition, held at Wollongong Botanic Garden every two years, includes the $40,000 Wollongong Acquisitive Sculpture Prize, a $3,000 People’s Choice Award, and a $10,000 Ephemeral Prize.
Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong is open to any artist living in Australia.
Applications to be part of the 2027 exhibition are open until 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026.
Basil Sellers Art Prize
The Basil Sellers Art Prize places artists at its heart, offering a supportive platform for 2D works in painting, drawing and printmaking. Held at the Bas in Moruya, on the South Coast of NSW, the Prize continues to refine an artist-first model, shaped by listening closely to creative practitioners and nurturing ongoing relationships with them.
The 2026 Prize strengthens this ethos with two major supports: courier fees fully covered and a $100 framing subsidy for all finalists to improve accessibility and reduce exhibition costs. The major acquisitive award has been increased to $50,000, alongside the $5,000 Eurobodalla Award celebrating an outstanding local entry. All entry fees support local creative programming.
Open to artists at all career stages and from all regions of Australia, the Prize is committed to care, accessibility and the belief that exceptional art can come from anywhere.
Entries now open – closing 11 September 2026
2027 Community Art Space Program
The Dragon’s Lair Gallery at Hurstville Museum & Gallery, and the Clive James Library and Service Centre, Kogarah, provide opportunities for new and established local artists and groups with a connection to the Georges River area to display their works in a professional gallery space. These spaces are suitable for a wide range of mediums, including sculptures, paintings, photographs, and drawings.
For more information, refer to the Community Art Space Program’s Terms and Conditions and apply via Smartygrants.
Applications for exhibitions in 2027 will close Sunday 26 July 2026 (11.59pm).
Peakhurst Park Adventure Playspace Mural EOI
Georges River Council is seeking expressions of interest from an Artist (or Artistic team) to create an artwork design for a mixed used court (basketball and futsal) at Peakhurst Park Adventure Playspace. Please read the Expression of Interest document before applying through Smartygrants.
Applications close Sunday 16 August 2026 (11.59pm).
UNSW Library Alumni Mural Program
The UNSW Library Alumni Mural program is a curated initiative to transform the Library’s internal environment through site-specific contemporary art. We are currently inviting expressions of interest (EOI) for this commission, which offers UNSW alumni the opportunity to create a high-impact, temporary mural that reflects the Library’s role as a centre for innovation, community, and lifelong learning.
Eligibility: Open to all UNSW alumni (graduates of any degree program). We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
EOI Opens: Monday, 13 July 2026 at 9:00 am
EOI Closes: Friday, 14 August 2026 at 5:00 pm
Call for Entries – BigCi Environmental Awards 2026
International and Australian artists from all fields are invited to submit entries for the BigCi Environmental Awards 2026.
Two Winners of the Awards will each receive (4) free weeks of BigCi residency and AUD$5,000 prize money.
The winning artists will also be able to explore the Wollemi, the Blue Mountains and the Gardens of Stone National Parks on guided walks and will be given research assistance relevant to their projects. At the end of their residencies, they will present their work at the BigCi Open Day event.
Entries close 2 August 2026
Lane Cove Art Award
Lane Cove Council and Lane Cove Art Society invites artists to exhibit in the Annual Lane Cove Art Award sponsored by Lane Cove Council.
This is a nationwide exhibition, open to both non-members and members of the Lane Cove Art Society.
The exhibition is held at Gallery Lane Cove, 164 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066.
The Lane Cove Art Award started in 1965. It is an acquisitive award with several other prizes on offer.
Entries close Sunday 12 August 2026
Calleen Art Award 2026
The Calleen Art Award is an annual acquisitive painting prize and exhibition. It presents the best of contemporary Australian painting in any style, theme or subject.
The Award was established in 1977 as an acquisitive art prize by Mrs Patricia Fagan OAM to encourage originality, creativity and excellence in the visual arts, and is made possible by the generous support of the Calleen Trust.
The Award is open to artists across Australia, and this year’s award prize is $30,000. The winning artwork will join the Calleen Collection at Cowra Regional Art Gallery.
Entries Close 19 July 2026
Expression of Interest – Framing Yinhawangka Country
Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation invites photographers to submit an Expression of Interest for an artistic photography commission documenting the Living Cultures Family Camp Program across 2026 and 2027.
Selected artists will work on Country alongside Yinhawangka families, Elders, Knowledge Holders and Rangers, capturing lived experiences, cultural practices and deep connections to land.
This opportunity forms part of the Living Cultures Program, which works to preserve and strengthen Yinhawangka culture, language, stories and traditional knowledge for future generations.
Fee – $21,000 AUD per project
Applications close 22 June 2026, 5:00pm AWST
CREATIVE TOOLBOX: LEARNING LABS
Inner West Council’s Creative Toolbox: Learning Labs is back with two focused workshop days built around what artists actually need right now.
Building Your Audience: 15 June
Money, Money, Money: 3 August
Expert-led masterclasses, practical workshops, and live case study roundtables covering marketing, PR, grants, and monetisation. Whatever stage you’re at, there’s something for you.
Program is now live! Places are limited, so book your sessions now to avoid disappointment.
2027-2028 Georges River Artist in Residence Program
Applications for the 2027-2028 Georges River Artist in Residence are now open.
The Georges River Artist in Residence program allows artists time and space to explore new ideas and create new works, to experiment with their art forms and to interact with the local community through public programs. This residency aims to provide opportunities for artists to develop their work, while also contributing to Georges River Council’s cultural programs.
Applications close 3 July 2026
Entries for the annual Du Rietz Art Awards are open
The Du Rietz Art Awards are the premier art competition for the Gympie region, named in honor of the architect of the historic School of Arts building that is home to the gallery.
With a prize pool of over $15,000, the Awards showcase exceptional 2D and 3D artworks by artists from across Australia.
Artists living anywhere in Australia can submit an entry. Finalists will be exhibited during the exhibition.
Applications close 30 June
Third Space Commission
Third Space Commission is a 6-month exhibition opportunity for artists with an existing large scale, installation-ready artwork suitable for outdoor display in a privately owned office building in North Sydney. Commissioned by Barings and delivered by Brand X, this program supports the temporary installation and exhibition of existing works across public art, sculpture, installation, spatial practice, design and surface art.
Applications close 8 June, 2026
2026 Windmill Trust Scholarship for Regional NSW Artist
Established in 1997 in memory of the artist Penny Meagher, the emphasis of the Windmill Trust Scholarship is to support visual artists from regional NSW to take up career development and/or presentation opportunities for their work.
The Windmill Trust Scholarship supports artists in various career aspects, including independent artistic research or practice, professional development, exhibiting and presenting work in new ways. Financial support encompasses studio rental, materials or labour costs, framing, space rental, promotion, artists’ fees, freight, installation, and documentation.
Close Friday 13 July 2026
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Redevelopment – Artist in Residence commissioning program open
Building on the success of RPA’s esteemed Arterie Program, Health Infrastructure invites Expressions of Interest from eligible artists to participate in one or more of three Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Artists in Residencies (AIR). Each residency responds to a defined spatial, functional and experiential brief within the hospital and includes structured engagement with patients, staff and clinical teams.
Eligible artists are invited to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) for one or more of three Artist in Residencies (AIR).
EOIs are now open and will close at 11.59pm Wednesday 6 May 2026.
Northeast Building Arts Commission Expression of Interest (EOI)
NSW Health Infrastrucure is inviting artists with a connection to the Albury Wodonga region to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for new artworks at the Northeast Building as part of the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital Project.
Closes 5 May 2026
The Hill Painting Prize
The Hill Painting Prize calls for works depicting the urban, man-made and natural landscapes of the Blue Mountains and is open to all Australian residents.
The prize will feature three awards – People’s Choice, Artist’s Choice and an overall winner – with a total prize pool of $12,000. The overall winner will be announced at the official exhibition opening on Friday 7 August 2026.
Entries close 24 May 2026.
Waverley Art Prize
The Waverley Art Prize has been running since 1986 as a painting and drawing prize. The Prize is aimed at emerging to professional artists, with four award categories:
- The Open Prize: $15,000 and acquisition into the Waverley Council Collection.
- The Mayor’s Prize: $2,000 and acquisition into the Waverley Council Collection.
- The Local Prize: $1,500 non-acquisitive sponsored by Waverley Woollahra Art School.
- The People’s Choice Prize: $500 non-acquisitive.
Entries close 10 May 2026.
Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize
Artists and designers from across Australia, including young people aged 7 to 18 years, are invited to submit their work on the theme of the environment. If you’re selected as a finalist, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work at our annual exhibition and spotlight unique insights on the natural world, sustainable living and the environmental challenges we face together.
The exhibition will be presented at Manly Art Gallery & Museum and Curl Curl Creative Space.
Prize pool
There’s a $46,000 prize pool across 4 categories:
$20,000 – Art
$20,000 – Design
$3,000 – Young Artists & Designers
$3,000 – People’s Choice
Submissions deadline: Mon 18 May, 5pm
2026 Macquarie Group Emerging Artist Prize
The 2026 Macquarie Group Emerging Artist Prize is now open for entries.
Eligible artists are invited to submit up to three original works that relate to the Macquarie Group Collection theme, The Land and Its Psyche. There is no entry fee.
The winner will receive $A20,000 prize money. Each finalist will also receive a $A1,000 art transport voucher from International Art Services.
Entries close 22 May 2026.
Farm Studio International Artist Residency 2027
Farm Studio International Artist Residency is located in a rural community in India. Residents stay and create in a quiet art centre and beautiful environment where they can develop their artwork free from accustomed distractions. Here, collaboration and experimentation is encouraged. Relationships form between the artists coming from different countries and varied social, cultural, and artistic backgrounds. Many exciting exchanges and dialogues among artists take place, including scheduled artist talks, presentations, works in progress showings, etc. Farm Studio also promotes and celebrates the local community’s artistic and cultural identity while also introducing art and culture of others’ (Indian and International guests) back to the community. This intercultural exchange broadens everyone’s experiences and fosters art appreciation.
Artists of all disciplines creating in any media are welcome to apply: dance, theatre, music, sound, performance art, writing, painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, culinary, photography, video/film, animation, architecture, sculpture (any material), ceramics, pottery, mixed-media / multi-media, interdisciplinary, installation, and other new/alternative media. Researchers, curators, and art critics are also welcome to apply. Open to emerging and established artists.
Period:
3 – 28 January 2027
3 – 28 February 2027
Closing 28 febuary 2027
Meroogal Women’s Art Prize – entries now open
Museums of History NSW is excited to announce that entries are now open for the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2026, with an increased prize pool of more than $18,000.
This biennial prize celebrates the creativity and achievements of women artists across NSW, inviting works that respond to the historic house of Meroogal, its rich cultural heritage and its enduring sense of place.
Entries close 15 July 2026.
Head On Photo Festival 2026 entries open
Submissions are now open for Head On Photo Festival 2026 in Sydney, and this is your invitation for a chance to put your work in front of the world.
Head On Photo Festival calls on photographers from Australia and around the globe to submit cohesive, compelling series for exhibition at Australia’s leading international photography event. Selected works are presented to hundreds of thousands of visitors, exhibited across iconic Sydney locations and partner venues (as well as online), giving your photography the visibility it deserves.
One accepted submission will receive a AUD$5,000 cash award.
Entries close March 29 2026.
Call for Entries: $20,000 Gallipoli Art Prize
Australian (and other eligible) artists are invited to enter one piece of original work produced in oil, acrylic, water colour or mixed medium in the $20,000 Gallipoli Art Prize
Entries close March 11 2026.
2026 Parramatta Artists Studios Creative Fellowship
Applications are now open for the 2026 Parramatta Artists Studios Creative Fellowship. The successful applicant will receive $20,000 to undertake a program of new work creation, research and/or professional development. More information about how to apply can be found below.
Applications close 11.59pm, Tuesday 10 March 2026.
Indonesian Art Study Tour 2026 – Applicant Call-Out
Indonesian Art Study Tour 2026
13 June – 21 June 2026
Applications for the annual Indonesian Art Study Tour 2026 are now open! This nine-day tour of art-producing areas in Bali, Bandung, Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta and Magelang is held annually for members of the Australian visual arts community seeking to engage deeply with the Indonesian art scene. Traveling on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi, the tour visits private museums, commercial galleries, collectives, art spaces and artists’ studios, culminating in the opening of Art Jog in Yogyakarta. The tour will include an education program with presentations by local art historians and curators. Participants typically include museum personnel, curators, academics, artists, gallerists and collectors.
The tour will run from 13 June to 21 June, starting in Bali and concluding in Yogyakarta. The total cost for the nine days is approximately AUD 3,500, which includes transportation, internal flights, guiding, accommodation, meals and incidental costs. Participants are responsible for their international airfares.
An initiative of the Australia Indonesia Arts Forum, the tour is managed by 16albermarle Project Space and Project Eleven.
To express your interest or submit an enquiry, please visit: https://www.16albermarle.com/indonesia-1
Application closes on 19 February 2026.
Incognito Art Show
The Incognito Art Show is inviting professional, emerging and amateur artists alike to participate in Australia’s biggest and most inclusive art show with a twist.
Original A5 artworks are donated by participating artists from around the world and sold for just $100, with the artist remaining a mystery until the artwork is purchased. The show raises funds for professional development programs for artists with intellectual disability.
Registration is free and artists can contribute up to three A5 original artworks in any medium, style or subject matter.
Artwork submissions are due by 31 May 2026.
Full Circle International Residency Award
The Full Circle International Residency Award aims to support mid-career Australian artists based in New South Wales through a unique residency, research and exhibition opportunity.
The initiative, presented through a partnership between Orange Regional Gallery, Australia, and Messums | ORG in the UK, is made possible thanks to generous support from Rowena Danziger in memory of Ken Coles AM.
Each year, one mid-career artist working in New South Wales, Australia will be selected to participate in a fully funded six-week residency in the UK at Messums East. Situated in The Old Post Office in Lowestoft, a refurbished new arts complex on the most easterly point of the UK. The Award culminates with an exhibition at Orange Regional Gallery the following year.
The Award supports visual artists who engage with the landscape and/or environment, to evolve their creative practice. Valued at AUD $33,000, this International Residency Award includes international flights, travel, accommodation, studio space, art materials and living expenses, and an exhibition—providing a rare opportunity for creative growth, research, connection and exploration.
Applications close 30 April 2026
Call for Emerging & Early Career Artists – Artist Residency + Exhibition Opportunity 2026
The Creator Incubator is proud to present the 2026-27 HIC Services Artist Residency Award (HIC_ARA). Offering an emerging/early-career artist located in the Hunter Region the opportunity to immerse them-selves into a vibrant and diverse arts community, in their own studio (rent free) for 12-months, working alongside other emerging, established and renowned artists. Culminating in a Solo Exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.
Applications close at 11:00pm, Sunday 15th February, 2026
New Horizons – Emerging Voices in Landscape
NERAM is calling for Expressions of Interest from emerging regional NSW artists to take part in New Horizons: Emerging Voices in Landscape, a ten-month mentorship and exhibition program designed to support the next generation of regional creative practitioners.
Applications close on 2 February 2026.
2026 Burwood Art Prize Call for Submissions Open
Call for submissions are now open for the 2026 Burwood Art Prize, inviting Sydney-based artists to respond to this year’s theme I AM HERE. The Burwood Art Prize encourages thoughtful reflections on cultural identity, personal narrative and a celebration of the many voices that shape contemporary multicultural Australia.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Burwood Art Prize includes a $20,000 acquisitive award, offering a significant opportunity for artists to have their work recognised and acquired for the Burwood Council Collection. This year also marks an exciting new partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art, strengthening the Burwood Art Prize’s commitment to supporting artistic practice and expanding professional pathways for emerging and established artists.
We welcome entries from artists at all stages of their careers and look forward to presenting a considered selection of works as part of the 2026 Burwood Art Prize exhibition.
Northern Rivers Artist Exchange 2026
Grafton Regional Gallery and Arts Northern Rivers are inviting artists from across the Northern Rivers to apply for the Northern Rivers Artist Exchange. A paid Artist Residency for creatives across any artform and an exciting new opportunity designed to foster creative connection, collaboration and exploration in the Clarence Valley
The residency offers three selected artists a week-long stay at Grafton Regional Gallery between July and November 2026, including a stipend, accommodation and studio space. The program encourages artists to connect with the Clarence Valley landscape or community, while developing new work that responds to people, place or environment.
Applications close on Sunday 12 April 2026.