Annual Art Awards

The 2026 Art Awards exhibition is currently showing at The Q exhibition space and the LinQ gallery until 13 June.
Visit the galleries Tuesday - Saturday - 10am - 4pm.

The Art Awards started in 2008 after a multi-decade partnership with the Queanbeyan Art Society dating back to 1975, where the former Queanbeyan City Council sponsored a major acquisitive prize at the society's annual exhibition.

These prize-winning artworks form the bulk of Council’s art collection, that now stands at over 150 works.

In 2021, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council established a cultural partnership with the Braidwood and Bungendore Community Bank Branches of Bendigo Bank - who became our major sponsor of the QPRC Art Awards. This partnership continues into its 6th year in 2026, with their financial contribution growing to help form one of the major art prizes in our region.

Proudly supported by Bendigo Bank

2026 Winners

$7,000 - QPRC Major Acquisitive Art Award - The Passing Autumn - Annette Blair
$3,000 - Mayor’s Acquisitive Heritage Art Award - Superb Lyrebird - David Smith
$1,000 - Mayor’s Highly Commended Heritage Art Award - On the Edge of Morning - Jen Moraga
$3,000 - 3D Art Award - With You, By My Side - Kate Butler
$1,000 - Highly Commended 3D Art Award - Waste Columns - Mahala Hill
$3,000 - First Nation's Art Award - Lessons from the Forest - Lea Palij
$1,000 - First Nation's Highly Commended Art Award - Spirit Country (Sacred Country) - Gail Neuss
$2,000 - Emerging Artist Award (16-25 yrs old) - The Book of Promise - Pouniu Iosia
$2,000 - Bendigo Pick Art Award - Superb Lyrebird - David Smith
$1,000 - Bendigo Pick Photographic Award - Mystery Bay - Matt Hamilton
$1,000 - Viewer's Choice Award - announced at closing event
$250 NEW Lucky Voters Prize - Gift card lucky dip from Viewer's Choice votes - announced at closing event
Curators Choice Award - Free Rusten House Exhibition - announced at closing event

2026 Annual Art Awards KEY Dates

Monday March 30 | Online registration OPEN
Thursday April 30 | Online registrations CLOSE
Monday-Tuesday May 4 and 5 | Delivery of art works
Saturday May 16 | Art Awards Opening
Saturday June 13 | Closing Event
Monday June 15 and Tuesday June 16 | Collection of Unsold Work

2026 Art Awards Terms & Conditions(PDF, 255KB)

2026 FAQs and Key Dates(PDF, 202KB)

D-ring installation guide(PDF, 993KB)

Entries for the 2026 Art Awards have now closed. Submit your entry using the online form below.