2026 Exhibition Program

Albany Town Hall GallerIES

GREAT SOUTHERN ART AWARD 2026  

4 April - 7 May | Albany Town Hall 

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.

Awards:

City of Albany Acquisitive Award

$5,000 – Sponsored by City of Albany

Open to all entrants

18+ Categories

Painting Award (2D) – $1,000 | Sponsored by J & S Castlehow

Works on Paper Award (2D) – $1,000 | Sponsored by Great Southern Specialist Centre

Print Award (2D) – $1,000 | Sponsored by City of Albany

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

3D Award – $1,000 | Sponsored by City of Albany

Popular Choice Award – $500 | Sponsored by Paperbark Merchants 

Youth Categories (5–18 years)

Under 12 Years

Best 2D Artwork – $150 | Sponsored by City of Albany

Best 3D Artwork – $150 | Sponsored by Albany Signs

Popular Choice – $150 | Sponsored by Albany Art Supplies

12–18 Years

Best 2D Artwork – $250 | Sponsored by Best Office Systems

Best 3D Artwork – $250 | Sponsored by Albany Signs

Popular Choice – $250 | Sponsored by Albany Art Supplies

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

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.

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

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