River of Art Prize 2026

Calling all Artists.

Artists and makers from across Australia are invited to enter the 22nd River of Art Prize, presented as part of the River of Art Festival on the NSW South Coast.

They want to see the work that matters to you right now – the ideas you're exploring, the stories you're telling and the creative paths you're following.

Entries are now open, they're inviting artists from across Australia to share the work that matters to them right now. Open to all mediums, the Prize has no prescribed theme. They're not here to tell artists what to make – instead, they invite original work that reflects the breadth, diversity and vitality of contemporary creative practice.

Finalist works will be exhibited at the historic Moruya Mechanics Institute, a striking exhibition space where heritage architecture meets contemporary artistic practice. Since 1880, the Mechanics Institute has been a place of community, culture and creativity. They are delighted to return to this much-loved venue for the 2026 River of Art Prize.

Entries are now open. Subscribe to the newsletter and follow River of Art to receive Prize updates, key dates and award announcements.