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Calling all visual artists: Entries open for 2026 Ipswich Art Awards

2026-08-05 · Council · Featured · Life · Now · People · You

Ipswich’s annual celebration of its vibrant arts scene returns for its 26 th year, with entries now open for the 2026 Ipswich Art Awards.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said emerging and established visual artists from Ipswich and beyond can submit artwork for the awards across nine categories until 13 September.

“The Ipswich Art Awards put our city’s rich and remarkable creative sector on a pedestal, offering a prize pool of $18,000 for winners,” Mayor Harding said.

“So much of Ipswich’s artistic talent has been celebrated throughout the first 25 years of the awards and 2026 will be no different, with an exhibition to be open to the public at 1 Nicholas Street in Ipswich Central from 7 to 14 November.

“This year’s winners will be selected by esteemed judges Sophie Chapman of the Condensery Art Gallery and Andrea Higgins of Museums and Galleries Queensland, both recognised as leaders in art curation and gallery coordination across Queensland.

“The pinnacle of Ipswich Art Awards is the awards night on Saturday, 7 November, announcing the winners of each category and providing an opportunity to celebrate our city’s creativity.”

Categories for the 2026 Ipswich Art Awards are:

Painting – Acrylic

Painting – Oil

Painting – Watercolour

Drawing and Pastels

Three Dimensions

Photography

Print Making

Mixed Media

New Media.

Mayor Harding said the Ipswich Art Awards are a key event on the calendar which supports the vision for Ipswich to be a nationally recognised creative city.

“The Ipswich Art Awards are an opportunity for local artists to gain invaluable confidence and exposure, particularly for those who may only just be beginning their journey in the creative space,” Mayor Harding said.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding with 2025 Best of Show winner Anne Toovey, and Ipswich Arts Advisory Group member Wayne McDonnell.

“It’s also an opportunity for artists to take their works to market, with the 2025 Ipswich Art Awards exhibition achieving more than $22,000 in artwork sales.

“Council also provides support to artists who are navigating their entry to the art awards, with ARTiculate workshops being delivered by local artist and expert Cynthia Copely.”

For more information on the Ipswich Art Awards, including eligibility guidelines, how to enter and entry support sessions, visit ShapeYourIpswich.com.au/Ipswich-Art-Awards