Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2025 Finalists Announced

34 artists shortlisted for the prestigious art prize, with a prize pool of $31,000.

Words: Emily Riches

The Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art (NPCA) 2025 finalists have been revealed, showcasing the work of 34 exceptional artists selected from a record 468 entries. These finalists highlight the diversity and range of Australia’s contemporary art scene, with works exploring a variety of themes and practices.

The NPCA, awarded biennially, offers a prestigious opportunity for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talent, with a prize pool of $31,000. The finalists were chosen by an independent panel, which included Matt Cox, Curator of Asian Art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales; Gail Harradine, Curatorial Manager at the Koorie Heritage Trust; and Patrice Sharkey, Head of Exhibitions and Programs at TarraWarra Museum of Art.

Final judging will be carried out by Dr Vincent Alessi, Director and CEO of Linden New Art; Dr Kiron Robinson, Artist and Acting Head of the School of Art at the University of Melbourne; and Sophie Travers, Director/CEO of the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Judge Patrice Sharkey expressed the panel’s admiration for the breadth and depth of the entries, saying, “The shortlist is a rigorous representation of contemporary art being made across Australia today. It has been uplifting to note the overwhelming desire by artists to address current societal issues concerning human rights, the environment, and technology.”

This year’s finalists include Georgia Banks, Pia Coetsee, Emma Coulter, Lana de Jager, Lada Dedić, Chelle Destefano, Makeda Duong, Megan Evans, Mark Forbes, Phillip George, Tim Gregory, Petrina Hicks, Nicholas Hubicki, Virginia Keft, Janetta Kerr-Grant, Jenna Lee, Warren Lee, Arrayah Loynd, Donna Marcus, Kori Miles, Ezz Monem, Marisa Mu, Jamie Mumford, Serena Pinday, Kenny Pittock, Susan Reddrop, Britt Salt, Amy Schleif, Jacqui Shelton, Sia Smyth, Katie Stackhouse, Meagan Streader, Isabel Trufas and Jen Valender.

The Finalists Exhibition will be presented at Montsalvat, spanning three gallery spaces, from Friday 4 April to Sunday 25 May. The winners will be announced at the exhibition’s opening on Thursday 3 April.

For more information and to view the shortlisted artists, visit nillumbik.vic.gov.au/NPCA.

This article was posted 24 February 2025.

Image: Duong Makeda, TheRealThing. Courtesy the Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art.