2026 Exhibition Program

Albany Town Hall GallerIES

GREAT SOUTHERN ART AWARD 2026  

Join us at Albany Town Hall for the 2026 Great Southern Art Award - a vibrant celebration of art, creativity and innovation across the Great Southern region.

This dynamic exhibition showcases the exceptional talent of local artists, providing a professional platform to present their work to a broad and engaged audience. Open to established, emerging and young artists living in the Great Southern, the exhibition embraces artistic expression across all visual art forms.

A diverse range of award categories recognises excellence at every level, including dedicated prizes for young creatives. The prestigious City of Albany Acquisitive Award will see the winning artwork acquired into the City of Albany Art Collection.

Visitors are also invited to vote for their favourite artwork.

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Winners of the 2026 Great Southern Art Awards:

City of Albany Acquisitive Award

John Manson — Over The Horizon

$5,000 – Sponsored by City of Albany

18+ Categories

Painting Award (2D) Glenn Hegedus — Sink or Swim. $1,000 | Sponsored by J & S Castlehow

Works on Paper Award (2D) Justine Gamblin — The Swimthrough. $1,000 | Sponsored by Great Southern Specialist Centre 

Print Award (2D) Margaret Sanders — Towards Sandpatch. $1,000 | Sponsored by City of Albany

First Nations Award (2D & 3D) – $1,000 | Sponsored by City of Albany

3D Award –Linda Chambers — Biface Vessel. $1,000 | Sponsored by City of Albany

Popular Choice Award –TBC  $500 | Sponsored by Paperbark Merchants 

Youth Categories (5–18 years)

Under 12 Years

Best 2D Artwork – Leo Holloway — Under The Sea. $150 | Sponsored by City of Albany

Best 3D Artwork – Ari Elliott — Hear Me Speak. $150 | Sponsored by Albany Signs

Popular Choice –TBC  $150 | Sponsored by Albany Art Supplies

12–18 Years

Best 2D Artwork – Tully Duff — Mini Bug. $250 | Sponsored by Best Office Systems

Best 3D Artwork – Milla Rutter — Overindulging. $250 | Sponsored by Albany Signs

Popular Choice – TBC $250 | Sponsored by Albany Art Supplies

We gratefully acknowledge and thank all sponsors for their generous support of the Great Southern Art Award.

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Kids Art Activity

Gallery Explorers – ‘Find and Tick’

During the exhibition, children are invited to participate in this free interactive activity. Explore the gallery, locate the listed items and tick them off as you discover each artwork.

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Public Program

Join the Arts & Culture Public Programs Officer for an insightful guided talk exploring this year’s winning artworks. Discover what set these pieces apart, gain an understanding of the judging process, and hear about the artistic techniques, themes and creative approaches that captured the judges’ attention.

These engaging sessions offer visitors a deeper appreciation of the exhibition and a unique opportunity to learn more about the artists and their award-winning work.

Saturday 11 April, 10.30am – Focus on the Youth Winning Artists

Saturday 18 April, 10.30am – Focus on the Adult Winning Artists

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Exhibition: 4 April - 7 May 2026

Albany Town Hall

217 York Street, Albany

Open: Tue-Sat, 10-5pm

During the School Holidays, open Mondays 10-5pm

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HOWARD tAYLOR: MATERIAL PRACTICE  

15 May - 20 June | Albany Town Hall 

Howard Taylor: Material practice invites viewers to experience the work of one of Western Australia’s most significant artists through selected works from The State Art Collection.

Howard Taylor (1918-2001) is renowned for his captivating landscape paintings and sculptures. Taylor’s art, often exploring the interplay of light and form, reflects his connection to the natural environment. Central to his vision was also his profound engagement with materials, and this approach led to widespread acclaim, including recognition by the WA State Government, which named him a living treasure in 1999 and citizen of the year in 2000.

Artwork: Howard Taylor Double self-portrait, 1959, oil on composition board, 93.2 x 105.5cm (framed), The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of WA. Purchased 1985.
Supported by the WA Government through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost.

Exhibition: 15 May - 20 June 
Curator Talk: Sat 23 May, 10.30am 
Albany Town Hall 
217 York St, Albany 
Open Tue - Sat 10-5pm