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Wollongong Art Prize

First lighting up the local art scene in 1956, the Wollongong Art Prize returns with a renewed and contemporary vision.

Wollongong Art Prize (Acquisitive) is a national prize, open to all Australian artists. Now reimagined for a new generation, the competition invites submissions from artists working across all mediums. With a strong emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement, the prize seeks to showcase the breadth and vitality of contemporary art practice.

$32,000 total prize pool

The Wollongong Art Prize opens a door of opportunity to our new generation of artists with a significant $32,000 prize pool on offer. This included the Wollongong Art Prize of $25,000, the Local Artist Award of $5,000, and the People's Choice Award of $2,000. The prize winners and selected artworks will be showcased in the Gallery from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 1 March 2026.

2025 Prize Winners

Wollongong Art Prize 2025:  Sam Gold, Lungs swollen with warmth from the mouths of exploding stars, 2025.

Local Artist Award 2025: Nicole Smede, YULIMBA (to come back), 2024.

People's Choice Award 2025: To be announced Monday 2 February 2026.

2025 Finalists

See the full list of finalists.