The Elaine Bermingham National Watercolour Prize in Landscape Painting is a triennial award presented by Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art and Design, celebrating excellence and innovation in watercolour.
The prize is open to Australian artists over the age of 18. The overall winner will receive a $20,000 non-acquisitive cash prize, generously donated by Elaine Bermingham.
For the purposes of the prize, landscape is defined broadly as any form of land or environment. Peopled landscapes, seascapes, urbanised environments and rural habitats are all eligible. Works do not need to be representational, with innovative and abstracted approaches to watercolour welcomed.
Finalists will be selected for an exhibition at QCAD Galleries at Griffith University’s Brisbane City Campus, South Bank.
The 2026 principal judge is Alison Kubler, Editor in Chief of VAULT magazine, a member of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees and a curator with more than 30 years’ experience across Australian museums, galleries and major public art commissions.
The pre-selection panel comprises Professor Julie Fragar, Dr Laini Burton and Associate Professor Natalya Hughes.
