Broken Hill City Art Gallery will welcome artists, visitors and art lovers from across Australia on Friday 31 July for the official opening and awards presentation of the 2026 Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, one of Australia's leading national acquisitive art prizes.
The exhibition showcases the work of 50 finalists selected from 319 entries submitted by artists from across the country, presenting a diverse colection of contemporary artworks inspired by the Australian outback. Working across painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, ceramics and mixed media, this year's finalists offer fresh perspectives on Australia's landscapes, people, history and identity.
The opening night will include the announcement of the $20,000 Acquisitive Award, $2,000 Second Prize, and the launch of public voting for the $1,000 People's Choice Award. The winning acquisitive artwork will become part of the Broken Hill City Art Gallery's nationally recognised permanent collection.
Gallery & Museum Manager Kathy Graham said the exhibition continues to demonstrate the remarkable breadth and quality of contemporary Australian art.
"The Pro Hart Outback Art Prize continues to attract exceptional artists from across Australia, and this year's exhibition is no exception. The finalists have interpreted the outback in wonderfully diverse ways."
"Opening night is always one of the highlights of our exhibition calendar. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the artists, announce the award winners and welcome visitors to experience one of Australia's premier regional art prizes."
The Gallery is delighted to welcome this year's guest judges, Peter Sharp, artist and Senior Lecturer at UNSW School of Art & Design, and Megan Monte, Director of Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, who have selected this year's First and Second Prize winners.
Alongside the 2026 Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, the Gallery will also launch two exhibitions celebrating the strength and diversity of Broken Hill's creative community. Climacteric by acclaimed Broken Hill artist Krystle Evans presents a compelling series of tapestries and sculptural forms exploring feminine transformation, resilience and identity.
Through richly layered textiles and subversive stitch, Evans transforms domestic materials into powerful contemporary artworks that challenge traditional ideas of beauty, ageing and women's work, celebrating feminine strength, renewal and defiance.
Change and Transformation, presented by Gaara Arts, brings together a collective of local female artists reflecting on the many ways change shapes our lives and creative practice.
Through a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, the exhibition explores themes of renewal, growth, personal milestones and evolving perspectives, celebrating the transformative power of art and lived experience.
Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of art, light refreshments and bar facilities while celebrating the outstanding achievements of this year's finalists and the opening of two new exhibitions by local artists.
The official opening will take place at 6.00 pm on Friday 31 July at Broken Hill City Art Gallery.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Following the opening celebrations, visitors are invited back to the Gallery on Saturday 1 August at 11.00 am for a free Artist Talk featuring a selection of Pro Hart Outback Art Prize finalists from across Australia.
The discussion will provide a fascinating insight into the ideas, inspiration and creative processes behind the artworks, with an opportunity for audiences to ask questions and meet the artists.
Tea and coffee will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
The 2026 Pro Hart Outback Art Prize, along with Climacteric and Change and Transformation, will remain on exhibition until 25 October 2026.
Event Details
2026 Pro Hart Outback Art Prize - Opening Night & Awards Presentation
Friday 31 July 2026
6.00 pm
Broken Hill City Art Gallery
Free admission | All welcome
Artist Talk
Saturday 1 August 2026
11.00 am
Broken Hill City Art Gallery
Free entry | All welcome
