the churchie emerging art prize
Medium / category: All mediums
Requirements: Works submitted must have been completed in the two years prior to the opening date of the exhibition and be the original work of the artist
Eligibility: The Prize is open to emerging Australian artists aged 18 years or older
Associated institutions: Metro Arts, Brisbane
Exhibition dates: From 26 July to 9 August 2025 at Metro Arts, Brisbane
‘the churchie’ is Australia’s longest running art prize for emerging contemporary artists. This national prize invites early career artists to submit entries for a chance to be considered for a prize pool totalling over $40,000 and the opportunity to exhibit in a curated finalists’ exhibition. Entries are open to all emerging Australian artists over the age of 18, regardless of age, practice or medium.
Now in its 38th year, ‘the churchie’ is dedicated to promoting innovation and excellence across all art genres, encompassing all mediums and subjects. The annual non-acquisitive prize invites artists from across Australia to submit their works for a chance to be selected to be part of the finalists’ exhibition in a professional public gallery space. The overall winner will receive a cash prize of $30,000, generously donated by long time sponsors BSPN Architecture, which is part of the total $40,000 prize pool.
‘the churchie’ showcases a diverse range of evocative and mesmerising artworks with a strong legacy of fostering innovation and excellence to support the future of Australian contemporary arts practice. The prize provides an exceptional platform for career opportunities, professional development and direct engagement with the broader arts community, all aimed at championing emerging artists.
Awards
‘the churchie’ rewards the overall winner with $30,000. Additional prizes are also awarded.
Previous Judges
2024:
Samantha Littley: Curator at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
2023:
Tara McDowell: Director of Curatorial Practice and Associate Professor at Monash University
2022:
Sebastian Goldspink: Curator of the 2021 Adelaide Biennale
2021:
Rhana Devenport ONZM: Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia
2020:
Tarun Nagesh: Curator of Asian Art, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
2019:
Amy Barrett-Lennard: Director of Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Perth
Previous Winners and Finalists
2024:
Josie Alexandra, Compass in Hand
Winner: Major Prize
2023:
Joel Sherwood Spring, Diggermode
Winner: Major Prize
2022:
Emmaline Zanelli, Dynamic Drills
Winner: Major Prize
2021:
Nina Sanadze, Apotheosis
Winner: Major Prize
2020:
Emily Parsons-Lord, Standing Still
Winner: Major Prize
2019:
Nadia Hernández, Remezcla
Winner: Major Prize
For Artists
What you need to know
Submissions must be made by an emerging artist over the age of 18 by Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents, and can be in any medium and on any subject. The submission must be an original work by the artist, completed in the two years prior to the opening date of the exhibition (25 July 2025). Artists may submit up to 5 artworks for consideration.
Dates for your diary
Open for Entries: Entries open 1 April and close 25 May 2025.
To enter, visit the churchie emerging art prize
For more information, and to keep up to date, visit Facebook or Instagram.
Image: Chun Yin Rainbow Chan, Girl in the Gloaming, ‘the churchie’ 2024 Special Commendation.