Entries are now open for the churchie emerging art prize (‘the churchie’), one of Australia’s longest-running and most respected prizes for emerging contemporary artists, with $55,000 in total prizes on offer.
The major non-acquisitive prize of $40,000, supported by BSPN Architecture, provides a significant opportunity for early-career artists to elevate their practice and gain national recognition. Additional prizes include a $5,000 Special Commendation Prize, two $2,500 Commendation Prizes, and a $5,000 People’s Choice Award.
Open to Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and over, the prize welcomes submissions across a wide range of visual art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and video. Artists may submit up to five works.
Founded in 1987 by Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie), the prize has played a key role in launching the careers of many leading Australian artists. In 2026, the finalists’ exhibition will once again be presented at Metro Arts in West End, Brisbane.
Key Dates:
Entries Open: 1 April 2026
Entries Close: 24 May 2026
Exhibition Opening + Prize Announcement: 24 July 2026
Finalists’ Exhibition: 25 July – 8 August 2026
