2026

25 September – 5 October • Mechanics Insitute, Moruya

entries NOW OPEN

Artists and makers from across Australia—within and beyond the Eurobodalla region—are invited to enter the annual River of Art Prize, part of Eurobodalla’s unique regional arts festival.
In 2026, the Festival celebrates its 22nd anniversary.

Finalist works will be exhibited offering a prominent platform for artists to showcase their vision across all mediums—painting, watercolour, mixed media, drawing, sculpture, and photography. The Prize is open to any subject or style, encouraging diverse and original creative expression.

From the finalists the judges select the overall winner, runner up and highly commended works. The judges decisions are final. Shortlisting is decided by the judges on the basis of a digital image of the submitted work, details of which are set out in the application form.

Shortlisted works will appear in the River of Art Prize exhibition which will run over the 11 days of the Festival with the prize announced at the Festival launch to which all entrants are invited. The ‘People’s Choice’ is announced at the close of the Festival.

Artists may submit up to two artworks, with an entry fee of $50 (including GST) per piece.

Terms & Conditions and Entry Details see ‘Key Dates’ below and subscribe to ensure you get the latest news direct to your inbox

prize pool

We are pleased to announce the 2026 River of Art Prize Pool,
distributed as follows, with the generous sponsorship of Mystery Bay Cottages and the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre.

FIRST PRIZE
$4500 cash – PLUS
The Basil Sellars Exhibition Centre proudly offers the winning artist a supported solo exhibition at the Mechanics Institute in 2026. This offer includes 2 week venue hire (Sept 2027) plus installation time, promotion through the BAS website and social channels, access to equipment and resources at the Mechanics Institute and a $550 stipend for exhibition expenses.
SECOND PRIZE
$2,500 cash
MYSTERY BAY COTTAGES AWARD
$2,000 cash
In honour of Darlien de Berigny Babington
Awarded to an artist whose work offers a compelling reflection on the natural world and our relationship with it.
NAROOMA ARTS CENTRE EARLY CAREER AWARD
Open to entrants who are 19 years of age or older and 30 years of age or under in the year of the prize. The award includes a supported exhibition at the Narooma Arts Centre in 2027. Subject to the NAC Exhibition Agreement it includes 2 week venue hire, promotion via website and socials and $250 towards an official exhibition opening. The Artist is not eligible for the same award for 3 years.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
$500 cash
FRAMING PIECES PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE
$150 Voucher
Awarded by public vote to the artist of the most popular work exhibited in the Prize at the conclusion of the exhibition.

TESTIMONIALS

I am a photo media artist and was selected runner up in The River of Art 2024 Prize. It was an absolute thrill both professionally and personally to receive the prize. The exhibition was very professional and the opening a well managed highlight in the regional calendar.

I had assumed the River of Art Prize favoured painting and other two-dimensional works. That changed when I made a series of small jewellery pieces that suggested a painterly approach. Curious whether they would be eligible, I contacted the RoA organisers. I was delighted to learn they were — and doubly delighted, and somewhat surprised, when the work received the runner-up award.

Participating in the River of Art Prize was a genuinely wonderful experience. River of Art went above and beyond to help coordinate delivery of my artwork, and the consistent, warm communication from the team throughout made the whole process a delight. It is clear that everyone involved cares deeply about the artists and the work, and that care shows in everything the Prize does.

It is a real thrill for any artist to win or be accepted into the prestigious River of Art Prize. It generates interest, gives artists a chance to meet and show their work and is highly valued in the community.

The River of Art Prize was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the South Coast community. Their support and interest was evident in the huge turnout for the exhibition opening. It was particularly special to exhibit my creative response to Guerilla Bay close to the place that inspired it. To be selected as Winner of the 2024 prize was exciting, affirming and of great assistance to my ongoing art practice.

Venue

Venue Update

The 2026 River of Art Prize exhibition will be presented at the historic Moruya Mechanics Institute. 13 Page St, Moruya NSW 2537

While the Prize was originally advertised to take place at the Narooma Arts Centre, a change of venue has been necessary and we are delighted to showcase this year’s finalists in one of the region’s most iconic cultural buildings.

Recent upgrades to the Mechanics Institute, including additional professional gallery lighting and a contemporary hanging system, have created an exceptional exhibition space that complements the building’s rich heritage and long-standing connection to the arts.

The venue proved immensely popular during the 2025 River of Art Prize, hosting a record opening night attendance and creating a vibrant gathering place for artists, audiences and the wider community. Its central location in the heart of Moruya, surrounded by cafés, galleries and local businesses, makes it an ideal destination for visitors exploring the Festival.

Built in 1880, the Mechanics Institute has served as a centre for community, culture and creativity for generations.

We look forward to welcoming artists and audiences back to this much-loved venue for the 2026 River of Art Prize.

Key Dates 2026

June – Call for Entries
August 9 – Entries Close
August 31 – Finalists Advised
September 23 – Deliver to Gallery 10-12pm
September 25 – Exhibition Opening Event & Winners announced – from 5pm
September 26 – 5 October Exhibition open 10-4pm
October 6 – Deinstall – Collect unsold works 10-12pm

Judges

To be announced

River of Art prize Donors and SUPPORTERS

The River of Art Festival wishes to thank our sponsors, donors and supporters.
The contribution is vital to continue the Festival and we cannot succeed without your generosity.

Mystery Bay Cottages – Our recommended accommodation partner, where coastal calm and creativity meet. Beyond offering a beautiful place to stay, Mystery Bay Cottages have been generous and consistent supporters of the arts and our local community. Their ongoing support of River of Art reflects a shared belief that culture, creativity and place are deeply connected. Partnerships with local businesses like this are vital to the sustainability of a volunteer-run festival. Their generosity helps ensure that artists, audiences and visitors can continue to gather, experience and celebrate the creative spirit of the South Coast.

The Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre proudly supports the River of Art Prize, offering the winning artist the opportunity to present a supported solo exhibition at the Mechanics Institute in 2027. This significant professional opportunity provides the artist with a dedicated platform to further develop and present their work to regional audiences, extending the impact of the prize and strengthening connections between artists and the wider South Coast arts community.

The Narooma Arts Centre (NAC) is a dynamic hub dedicated to creative collaboration, innovation, community engagement and celebration of arts and culture.

With more than two decades of experience, Framing Pieces South Coast Framing & Art Supplies is a trusted destination for custom framing and fine art materials, supporting artists, photographers and makers across the region.