Entries are now open for the Kilgour Prize 2027, one of Australia’s leading annual awards for figurative and portrait painting.
Presented by Newcastle Art Gallery, the non-acquisitive prize awards AUD $50,000 for the most outstanding work selected by the judging panel, with an additional AUD $5,000 People’s Choice Award presented during the finalists’ exhibition.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Kilgour Prize was established through the bequest of Newcastle artist Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) and has become a significant platform for both emerging and established figurative painters. Previous recipients include Nicholas Harding, Natasha Walsh, Blak Douglas, Michael Bell and Peter Gardiner.
The 2027 judging panel comprises Lauretta Morton OAM, Kelli Cole and Jason Phu. Approximately selected finalist works will be exhibited at Newcastle Art Gallery from April to August 2027.
Eligible works must have been completed between 4 October 2025 and 4 October 2026. Applications are submitted online and require an image upload and entry fee payment.
