The QPRC and Bendigo Bank Art Awards will return in 2026 with a $25,000 total prize pool proudly supported by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council and the local Braidwood and Bungendore Bendigo Bank branches.
In 2025, the prize pool increased from $17,500 to $25,000 and QPRC is proud to announce that this larger prize pool will continue in 2026, with the addition of a Lucky Voter's Prize for community members attending and voting in the exhibition.
"The QPRC and Bendigo Bank Art Awards inspire creativity and provide an amazing platform for artists across Queanbeyan-Palerang to showcase their incredible talent," said Mayor Kenrick Winchester.
"We are proud to support these awards, as they enrich our region's cultural fabric and celebrate the unique artistic voices that define our local identity."
Thanks to the continued financial support from Bendigo Bank's Braidwood and Bungendore branches, the Awards continue to be a significant platform for artists across Queanbeyan-Palerang. Their backing enables an expanded range of prize categories celebrating artistic excellence across diverse media and themes.
Nick Fry, the Community Engagement Manager at Bendigo Bank emphasised the importance of championing local talent, stating "The Bendigo Community Bank branches of Braidwood and Bungendore are proud to partner with QPRC by supporting our local artists. There is an abundance of artistic talent in our district, and this is showcased each year at the Awards".
Once again, Council will offer two acquisitive awards: the Major Acquisitive Award, which carries the top cash prize of $7,000, and the Mayor's Acquisitive Heritage Award, valued at $3,000. Alongside the cash prizes, the Curator's Choice Award will provide one exhibiting artist with a fully supported solo exhibition in the Reading Room Gallery at Rusten House Art Centre. There are twelve award categories in total, and artists are encouraged to review the full list of categories and award offerings before entering.
To further encourage community participation, the 2026 exhibition will introduce the $250 Lucky Voter's Prize. All visitors who vote in the Viewer's Choice Award will automatically go into the running to win a $250 gift voucher to spend at any business of their choice. The winner will be drawn at the close of the exhibition, following the announcement of the Viewer's Choice Award.
Registrations for the 2026 Annual Art Awards open online from 30 March to 30 April 2026. Entry is open to all artists aged 16 and over who reside in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Local Government Area.
Categories and Prizes for 2026
- $7,000 QPRC Acquisitive Art Award
- $3,000 Mayor's Acquisitive Heritage Art Award
- $1,000 Highly Commended Heritage Art Award
- $3,000 3D Art Award
- $1,000 3D Highly Commended Art Award
- $3,000 First Nation's Art Award
- $1,000 First Nation's Highly Commended Art Award
- $2,000 Emerging Artist Award (16-25 yrs old)
- $2,000 Bendigo Pick Art Award
- $1,000 Bendigo Pick Photographic Award
- $1,000 Viewer's Choice Award
- Curators Choice Award – Free Rusten House Exhibition
- $250 Lucky Voter's Prize
Key dates for the 2026 Art Awards are:
- Registrations open - 30 March
- Registrations close - 30 April
- Delivery of artworks - 4 and 5 May
- Opening event - 16 May [Saturday]
- Exhibition runs - 16 May to 13 June
- Closing event - 13 June [Saturday]
