2026 Mosman Art Prize Entries Open

Entries for the 2026 Mosman Art Prize are now open!

Mosman Art Prize is Australia’s premier open painting prize. Established in 1947, the Prize has become a defining platform for contemporary Australian painting; a place where ideas, identity, and the spirit of our times are expressed through the enduring power of paint. 

As a national acquisitive prize of $70,000, funded by Mosman Council, the Mosman Art Prize celebrates painting’s unique ability to tell stories, capture moments of change, and reflect the complexities of contemporary life. It continues to foster conversations about who we are and how we see the world, making it a vital cultural touchstone for both artists and audiences alike. The Mosman Art Prize supports and elevates artists whose work engages with the present moment, while also contributing to the broader history of Australian art. The winning works form the heart of the Mosman Art Collection, a significant and vital public collection that traces the trajectory of Australian painting through decades of artistic innovation and expression. 

This year’s winning painting will go into the Collection and sit alongside such esteemed artists as Cressida Campbell, Grace Cossington Smith, Lucy Culliton, Guan Wei, Adam Cullen, Nicholas Harding, Lloyd Rees, Guy Warren, Margo Lewers, Jumaadi, Elisabeth Cummings, Natasha Walsh, Michael Zavros and Margaret Olley – who was the inaugural winner in 1947

Entries Close Monday 13 July, 5pm.  

See below some of our Frequently Asked questions or click here for a more comprehensive list of questions here.

And please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions before submitting your entry.

  • How many entries can I submit?

    Entrants can submit up to two entries. 

  • I have an artwork that is created using only oil pastel. Can I enter it?

    No, the Mosman Art Prize is for paintings created using wet painting media, oils, acrylics or watercolours. Your artwork can be mixed media however the work must be substantially painted in order to qualify.  

  • Can I use AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

    No, the Mosman Art Prize only accepts original artworks from the artist.  

  • What size artworks do you accept?

    2 metres² (2 metres squared) is the largest size an artwork can be. 

    Artworks may be single or multi-piece as long as they do not exceed the overall dimensions, this includes the specified spaces between pieces of an artwork. Use this online calculator to help you determine if your work exceeds the limit. 

    Example: 1 metre x 2 metres or 1.50 metres x 1.33 metres (not 2 metres x 2 metres which is 4 metres squared and over the size limit).

    There is a weight limit, artworks should not weigh over 40kg. 

  • My work has multiple parts, can I enter?

    Yes, as long as together the total area does not exceed the maximum size of 2m². If your artworks include a 5cm gap between each part you must include those gaps in the measurements.

  • My work was produced prior to 1 May 2025. Can I enter it in the 2026 Prize?

    No, only paintings completed after 1 May 2025 are eligible for entry in the 2026 Mosman Art Prize. 

  • Am I required to bring/deliver my artwork to the Gallery for my entry to be judged?

    No. Entrants are required to upload one high quality (max 20MB) digital image of the artwork(s) to their online entry form. One image per entry form. Shortlisting of artworks for exhibition will be done online using the digital image and details supplied by the artist. Only entrants selected for the exhibition are required to deliver their artwork to the Gallery. 

  • How do I upload an image to my online entry form?

    On the entry form under the ‘Applicant Details’ tab you will find a box to drag and drop your image file into, or you can click on the blue button ‘choose files’. This will open your finder folder and you can select your image. If you encounter trouble uploading an image ensure that the image title does not have any strange symbols or odd spacing.  

  • How do I make payment for my entry?

    This is found on the ‘Declaration and Payment’ tab at the top of the form. You will be asked to sign that you have read the terms and conditions, and you will then need to pay the $50.00 submission fee. This will take you to a ‘bpay’ CommBank page, where you will enter the relevant details. From here you can also download a confirmation of payment, a receipt, for your records.  

  • How do I print the entry form?

    Once you have submitted payment, you will receive an email with confirmation. This email will contain a PDF version of your form. This will be an abridged, short, version of the form – it will leave out some questions / sections.   

    Please provide this form when your selected work is delivered to the Gallery.  

  • I have submitted the online entry form but I’m not sure if it’s worked. What should I do?

    Please email the Gallery (Althea) at a.kuzman@mosman.nsw.gov.au and provide as much detail about your form as you can. 

  • I made a mistake on my entry form. What should I do?

    Do not submit another (corrected) entry. Please contact the Gallery (Althea) at a.kuzman@mosman.nsw.gov.au or on 0419 784 030 before entries close and staff will make the necessary changes to the online entry form. 

  • I would like my work to be for sale but not sure what price to put on the entry form. Can the Gallery provide me with advice?

    The Gallery cannot provide you with advice, however, membership organisation National Association for the Visual Arts provides professional advice and resources to artists. Visit https://visualarts.net.au/ for more information. 

  • What is a D-ring and where do I buy one?

    A D-ring is a triangular or D shaped ring with a screw that is then attached to each side of the frame (about 5cm down from the top) ready for us to attach a hook for hanging. You can buy them at the hardware store. If you are not sure how to attach a D-ring to your work, watch this video. You do not need to provide the wire, just the D-rings. Please do not attach a wire.  

  • When will I find out if my work has been selected for exhibition?

    Selected entrants will be notified on Thursday 23 July by 5pm. The list of selected entrants will also be announced on social media and on the Gallery website. 

  • Is there a theme?

    The Mosman Art Prize is an open painting prize, meaning that there is no specific or set theme for the prize.

  • How many judges are there?

    For the Mosman Art Prize we traditionally have one judge each year. The judges vary between curators, artists and industry professionals. This year’s judge will be announced later.