Ladder Art Space invites emerging and established artists from Australia and overseas to enter the Ladder Art Prize 2026, an annual exhibition celebrating small-scale artworks across a broad range of creative disciplines.
With the theme Small works. A shared stage., the prize brings together artists working across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, mixed media and digital art.
Every eligible artwork that meets the entry requirements will be exhibited at Ladder Art Space in Kew, Melbourne. Artists can enter up to eight artworks, with each piece measuring no more than 35 × 35 × 35 cm, including frames and any protruding elements.
Entry Fees:
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First artwork: $50
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Each additional artwork: $40
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Maximum eight artworks per artist.
Awards:
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First Prize: $2,000, comprising a $1,000 cash prize and $1,000 credit towards a solo exhibition at Ladder Art Space in 2027.
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Second Prize: $1,000, comprising a $500 cash prize and $500 exhibition credit.
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Emerging Artist Prize: $500.
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Student Artist Award: $500.
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Best 3D Artwork Award: $300.
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People’s Choice Award: $250.
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Studio9Art Framing Prize: Three professional framing vouchers valued at $700, $500 and $300.
The exhibition will feature a judging panel including Melbourne-based multidisciplinary artist and curator Peta Tranquille and artist and RMIT academic Shaun Wilson.
Important Dates:
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Entries close: 10 November 2026.
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Postal and courier delivery: 10–17 November 2026.
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In-person artwork delivery: 14, 16 and 17 November 2026, 11:30am–4:30pm.
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Exhibition: 20–29 November 2026.
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Opening night: Friday 20 November, 6–9pm.
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Awards celebration: Friday 27 November, 6–9pm.
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Artwork collection: 30 November and 1 December 2026.
