The 2027 Tertiary Artists Book Prize is an invitational award open to Australian artists currently undertaking, or who have recently completed (within the last two years), tertiary studies in art, fine art, or design in Australia. Up to seven tertiary students will be selected to receive a $750 non-acquisitive artwork commission to create a new artist’s book for the 2027 Libris Awards.
The commissioned artist books will be exhibited at Artspace Mackay as part of the 2027 Libris Awards exhibition, with finalists vying for the $3,000 acquisitive Tertiary Artists Book Prize. Newly commissioned works will also be eligible for additional 2027 Libris Awards, including the Daly Bay National Artists Book Award ($10,000 acquisitive) and the Daly Bay Highly Commended Artists Book Award ($5,000 acquisitive).
There is no set theme for the prize. Applicants are asked to clearly articulate how the artist’s book format extends and enhances the concept of their proposed work. The artist’s book may take many forms, with emphasis placed on the physical, sequential, and material qualities of the book as an artwork.
Key Dates:
– Expressions of Interest open: Friday 17 October 2025
– Expressions of Interest close: Friday 6 March 2026, 5pm AEST
– Selected artists notified: Friday 27 March 2026
– Stage 1 payment (50%): Friday 29 May 2026
– Completed artist books due: Friday 23 April 2027
– 2027 Libris Awards exhibition: Saturday 29 May – Sunday 29 August 2027
Expressions of Interest are submitted via Mackay Regional Council’s SmartyGrants portal.
