Dobell Drawing Prize

The biennial Dobell Drawing Prize is an unparalleled celebration of drawing technique and innovation. Presented by the National Art School in partnership with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, the biennial prize explores the enduring importance of drawing within contemporary art practice.

The winning work enters the National Art School’s collection. Each year the foundation’s trustees invite a guest, often an artist, to judge this open competition. The finalists are displayed in an exhibition at the Gallery. What constitutes a drawing is deliberately not outlined in the conditions of entry. This flexible approach ensured a great variety of drawings, ranging from those made using materials traditionally associated with drawing (pencil, pen and ink, charcoal etc) to those that are part of contemporary practice (including pastel, watercolour and collage).

The exhibition is part of the NAS Festival of Drawing, a biennial event organised by the School’s National Centre for Drawing. The festival includes talks, workshops and a research symposium. The Prize also compliments the School’s academic drawing program: drawing is a core component of all studies at NAS and is taught throughout each degree.