Creativity unleashed – Record number of artists vie for Wollongong’s top art prize

The Wollongong Art Prize has reached new heights, attracting over 1,100 entries across a variety of mediums into the prestigious national contemporary art competition.

From this impressive field, 220 finalists have been selected to compete for a total prize pool of $32,000, including the $25,000 acquisitive top prize, a $5,000 local artist award, and a $2,000 people’s choice prize.

Among the finalists are 61 local artists, highlighting the depth of talent within the region.

This marks the largest number of entries received for an art prize since the Wollongong Art Gallery’s inception — a significant milestone and a major undertaking for the curatorial committee, which includes Dr Victoria Wynne-Jones (Curator, Hazelhurst Arts Centre) and the Wollongong Art Gallery curatorial team led by Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham.

First lighting up the local art scene in 1956, the newly reimagined Wollongong Art Prize embraces a bold, contemporary vision. The 2025 edition welcomed artists working across all mediums, with a strong focus on access, inclusivity, and community.

The finalists’ works will be shown in the Wollongong Art Prize exhibition from 6 December and running through to early March 2026. Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on Friday 5 December at 6pm.

This year’s judge is Dr Kristen Sharp, Director and CEO of the National Art School. A leading figure in contemporary art, Dr Sharp’s work explores public art, urban space, and sound art, and she brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, curatorial practice, and international research to the role.

“The extraordinary response to the reimagined Wollongong Art Prize reflects the strength and ambition of artists across Australia, and the renewed energy surrounding the Gallery’s program,” said Wollongong Art Gallery Director Daniel Mudie Cunningham.

“As one of the country’s largest regional galleries, we’re proud to offer a prize that celebrates bold, diverse and accessible contemporary art. The calibre of work is exceptional, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences locally and nationally.”

For more information about the Wollongong Art Prize, visit the Wollongong Art Gallery website.

Wollongong Art Prize 2025 Finalists