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: Emerging artists over the age of 18 who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Associated institutions: Metro Arts, Brisbane
Exhibition dates: 25 July to 8 August 2026
In 2026, ‘the churchie’ is returning bigger than ever, featuring a total prize pool of $55,000. The prize awards non-acquisitive cash prizes, as well as offering finalists valuable exposure and an exhibition opportunity.
Emerging artists over the age of 18 who are Australian citizens or permanent residents are invited to enter. The call for entries is open from 1 April to 24 May and welcomes applications from artists working in a range of visual art forms—from drawing and painting to three-dimensional and video works.
With a legacy spanning 39 years, the prize provides a platform for up-and-coming Australian artists to be showcased on the national stage. ‘the churchie’ has been an integral and important milestone in the career pathways of many participating artists.
Awards
All prizes are non-acquisitive.
Overall Prize: $40,000
Special Commendation: $5,000
Commendations: 2 prizes $2,500 each
People’s Choice Prize: $5,000
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
Entries Open: 1 April 2026
Entries Close: 24 May 2026
Exhibition Opening: 24 July 2026
Finalists Exhibition: 25 July to 8 August 2026
To enter, visit the churchie emerging art prize
For more information, and to keep up to date, visit Facebook or Instagram.
Image: ‘the churchie’ 2025 Finalists’ Exhibition at Metro Arts. Photograph by Dan McCabe.
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