The Macquarie Group Collection invites entries for the 2026 Emerging Artist Prize, continuing over 35 years of supporting emerging Australian artists.
Open to artists across Australia, including Brisbane-based practitioners, the prize offers a significant platform for exposure and career development. Finalists will be exhibited at The Art Space at 1 Elizabeth, Sydney, with the exhibition also presented online.
Artists may submit up to three original works responding to the 2026 theme, The Land and Its Psyche. Selected finalist works may be acquired into the Macquarie Group Collection, while others will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artist.
The winning artist will receive $20,000, and all finalists will be provided with a $1,000 art transport voucher to support participation.
Key Dates
Entries open: 18 March 2026
Entries close: 22 May 2026
Finalists announced: June 2026
Exhibition dates: 28 August 2026 – 29 January 2027
Image: Previous winner Marisa Ballinger, Ngurrampaa, 2024, ink on jute, 185 x 120 cm.
