Entries open 1 August 2026
The Ipswich Art Awards 2026 Guidelines are available now.
Background
The 2026 Ipswich Art Awards marks 26 years of celebrating artistic excellence and creative achievement in our region. Each year, the exhibition presents a distinguished collection of works that reflects the diversity, skill and vision of artists from Ipswich and beyond. Visitors are invited to experience a compelling showcase of contemporary art and to engage with the ideas, stories and perspectives embodied in each work.
We look forward to the 2026 Awards and to celebrating another significant chapter in the event’s history. We also warmly welcome returning visitors to once again enjoy this much-anticipated exhibition.
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Information for entering artists
With multiple prize categories and the prestigious Best of Show on offer, the Ipswich Art Awards 2026 provide a rare opportunity to participate in one of the region’s most vibrant and longstanding celebrations of the arts.
To view the guidelines, please click here.
Explore the entry requirements below.
Entries will be accepted from 1 August 2026 until 13 September 2026.
The entry form will request the following details:- name and contact details
- title of artwork
- artwork statement (up to 75 words)
- artwork category
- artwork Size 2D work (width x height in cm)
- short list of materials and media to create work
- photo of artwork (filename format: firstname_lastname_width_height_title)
- sale price for the piece
- payment of the competition entry fee of $40.00 (maximum 2 entries per artist)
Please note that your competition entry fee does not include a ticket to the Ipswich Art Awards Exhibition Opening Night which will be held on 7 November 2026.
Before submitting your entry, it is essential that you read the full Guidelines and Terms and Conditions to ensure your artwork meets all eligibility and submission requirements.
- Work can only be submitted by an individual over the age of 15 years.
- Eligible for Australian permanent residents and citizens.
- Entries must be submitted online at creatorsofipswich.com.au
- Entry details are final at the time of submission. Details cannot be changed once the entry has been received.
The following sessions have been developed to assist with completing Ipswich Art Award entries.
ARTiculate
Sessions to guide artists with both artists and artworks on completing their submissions for the Ipswich Art Awards.
- Hit Submit: Ipswich Art Awards
- 15 August 2026 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- 20 August 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ipswich Art Workshop - Drop-in Session
A drop-in session for assistance with your submission or to answer any questions.
- 7 August 2026 from 9:00 - 11:00 am
Ipswich Libraries
Computer and internet access is available at all Ipswich Libraries to allow you to complete your online application.
Click here for information on Ipswich Library locations.
Still need assistance with your entry?
Email creative.industries@ipswich.qld.gov.au
- The artwork must be the artists own unaided creation, is their own concept and is not copied from another artwork including workshop or online tutorials.
- The artwork must have been completed within the past 12 months immediately preceding Sunday 13 September 2026.
- 2D artwork must not exceed 110cm on its longest side including the frame.
- 3D artwork must be able to be moved by maximum of two people. Any 3D work with multiple pieces must be connected or displayed on a tray/board. Artwork will not be assembled by the installers.
- New Media is digitally created work that is submitted on a USB. Digitally created work should not be printed onto a canvas.
- New Media works must not exceed 4GB in size and 4 minutes in length if a video.
- The artwork must not violate or infringe upon the legal rights of any other person, including the copyright, intellectual property rights, trademark, or moral rights of any person.
- All artworks, including multipart and three‑dimensional works, must be presented as one complete, connected piece and ready for display.
Artists are invited to submit work under the following categories:
- Painting: Acrylic
- Painting: Oil
- Painting: Watercolour
- Drawing and Pastels
- Three Dimensions
- Photography
- Print Making (not digital)
- Mixed Media
- New Media
On Saturday 7 November 2026 Ipswich City Council will be hosting the Awards Night.
Artists and their guest/s are requested to purchase a ticket at time of submitting their application for the Ipswich Art Awards.
Tickets to attend the Awards Night for both artists and their guests are $20.00 each.
All artwork is for sale and can be purchased by members of the public for the entire exhibition including Awards Night.
A 20 per cent commission is retained by Ipswich City Council (council) to support the cost of administrative processing. Artists will be notified of a sale within 48 hours of sale. The notification of sale will require artists to supply bank details to Ipswich City Council to receive payment. Please refer to Ipswich City Council Privacy Statement.
Payments will be processed by Ipswich City Council up to 45 days after the submission of required information to council.
Past Exhibitions
Each year, over 300 artists submit more than 400 works for judging, with around half of all entries coming from outside the Ipswich region. The Ipswich Art Awards draws over 1,500 visitors annually and remains a shining highlight on the city’s cultural calendar.
In 2025, we proudly celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Awards, honouring 25 years of creativity, inspiration, and community spirit in Ipswich. From emerging talents to established artists, this landmark year showcases the very best of our region’s vibrant arts scene.
Use the buttons below to view the Ipswich Art Awards 2025 or explore the Ipswich First Award Winner articles..
