Now celebrating its 40th year, the Mandorla Art Award invites submissions from professional and emerging Australian artists working in any medium. Recognised as Australia’s most significant thematic Christian art prize, Mandorla is a contemporary fine art award that brings artists into conversation with Biblical themes and texts.
For the 2026 award, artists are invited to respond to the theme:
What is Truth?
“I was afraid, because I was naked: and I hid myself.” – Genesis 3:10
Prize Pool
With a total prize pool of $63,000, the award offers:
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Main Acquisitive Prize: $30,000
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2 x Highly Commended Awards: $7,000 each
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Emerging Artist Prize: $7,000 (new for 2026)
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People’s Choice Prize: $2,000
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New Norcia Artist Residency Prize: Includes a 1-month residency and $10,000
Exhibition
Selected finalists will be exhibited at Holmes à Court Gallery, Gooyaman, West Perth in May 2026.
Since its inception in 1985, the Mandorla Art Award has attracted some of Australia’s most accomplished artists, offering a unique platform to explore faith, culture, and contemporary practice through art.
About Mandorla
Administered by the Mandorla Centre of Inner Peace Inc., the award is supported through the generosity of donors and patrons. The Mandorla Centre for Inner Peace Art Fund holds Deductible Gift Recipient status, with all donations over $2 tax-deductible.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Mandorla Art Award respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, traditional custodians of the land on which the Award is held. We honour Elders past and present and recognise the ongoing cultural and creative contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
