The Willoughby Art Prize is back after a 19-year hiatus, relaunched as the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize with a $15,000 prize pool for emerging visual artists from across Australia.
Applications are now open for the renewed prize, which will provide emerging artists with the opportunity to exhibit their work at The Concourse and compete for prizes including a $10,000 acquisitive first prize.
Established in 1983, the original Willoughby Art Prize was a highly regarded visual arts award that became a significant fixture in Sydney's arts calendar. Supported by Willoughby City Council, the prize provided artists with professional opportunities, exhibition experience and recognition from leading figures in the arts sector before it was paused in 2007 during the construction of The Concourse.
Almost 20 years later, the prize returns with a renewed focus on supporting emerging practitioners and showcasing contemporary visual art.
Willoughby City Council Mayor Tanya Taylor said the return of the prize would create new opportunities for emerging artists while reconnecting with an important part of Willoughby's cultural history.
"Willoughby has a proud history of supporting creativity and providing spaces where artists can connect with the community," Mayor Taylor said.
"The Willoughby Emerging Art Prize celebrates the talent and diversity of Australia's emerging artists while continuing the legacy of an award that played an important role in our city's cultural history."
The 2026 Willoughby Emerging Art Prize offers a total prize pool of $15,000, generously supported by the Civic Place Trust, with:
First Prize: $10,000 acquisitive prize selected by judges, with the winning artwork becoming part of the Willoughby City Council collection, along with a solo exhibition opportunity at Art Space Gallery – The Concourse and mentoring sessions with Council's Visual Arts Team.
Second Prize: $5,000 prize selected by the judging panel.
Highly Commended Award: Selected by the Civic Place Trust.
The prize is open to emerging artists aged 18 years and over who are Australian residents and who are between five and 15 years into their artistic practice. Artists working across a range of visual art mediums are encouraged to apply, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and printmaking.
Entries will be assessed by an expert judging panel comprising Consuelo Cavaniglia and Monica Rani Rudhar.
Entries are open until the 30 August 2026. Winners will be announced at the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize opening night on Thursday 8 October 2026.
For eligibility criteria, entry requirements and terms and conditions, visit https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Community/Arts-and-culture/Visual-arts/Willoughby-Emerging-Art-Prize
Image caption:
The Art Space at The Concourse, which will be the new home of the Willoughby Emerging Art Prize when it returns after a 19-year hiatus in October 2026.
