2026

finalists exhibited • 25 September – 5 October • Mechanics Insitute, Moruya

VISITING THE ART PRIZE

The River of Art Prize is one of the highlights of the Festival and a must-see stop on the 2026 Art Trail.

Discover a diverse exhibition of finalist works selected from artists across Australia, spanning painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, photography and more.

Take your time, find a work that speaks to you, vote in the People’s Choice Award – and perhaps take a piece of the Festival home by purchasing an original work.

Make the Prize part of your Art Trail journey, then continue exploring the studios, galleries, exhibitions and creative spaces across the region.

2026 Entries are now closed

Thank you to all the 2026 Participants
YOUR VISION • YOUR VOICE • YOUR WORK

The River of Art Prize is a highlight of the annual River of Art Festival, bringing together artists from across Australia and showcasing an exciting breadth of contemporary creative practice.

In 2026, as River of Art celebrates its 22nd year, selected finalists will be exhibited throughout the 11 days of the Festival, presenting works across painting, watercolour, mixed media, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography and more. With no set theme or brief, the Prize celebrates individual vision, original ideas and diverse creative voices.

An independent judging panel selects the finalists and determines the major awards, with winners announced at the Festival opening. Visitors also have their say, with the People’s Choice Award decided by public vote and announced at the close of the Festival.

Visit the Prize

The River of Art Prize exhibition is an opportunity to discover new work, encounter artists from across the region and beyond, and experience one of the centrepieces of the River of Art Festival.
Many of the works on exhibition are available to purchase, giving you the opportunity to support artists directly and take home an original piece of art – and a lasting memory of your time at River of Art and on the South Coast.

River of Art Prize Exhibition
25 September – 5 October 2026
Moruya Mechanics’ Institute
19 Page St Moruya
Follow the link and add it to your itinerary.

Interested in entering or getting involved?

Entries for the 2026 River of Art Prize have now closed, but there are plenty of ways to be part of River of Art.

Artists interested in entering the Prize in future years, participating in the Arts Trail, exhibiting, presenting a workshop or becoming involved with the Festival are encouraged to stay connected.

Subscribe to River of Art news for future Prize announcements, artist opportunities, Festival updates and ways to get involved.

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.

JUDGES

We extend our sincere thanks to our 2026 River of Art Prize judges for accepting this important role. Their experience, insight and independent perspectives are central to the integrity of the Prize, from selecting the finalists to recognising this year’s outstanding works. We greatly appreciate the time, care and consideration they bring to the judging process.

Hannah Semler

Passionate about supporting arts culture and the environment, Hannah is an Arts and Cultural Development manager with over 40 years experience across many creative artforms and practices in urban and regional communities.

Hannah has curated exhibitions in a number of community and public spaces, coordinated outdoor installations and events, and provided support and mentorship to emerging artists while managing Arts OutWest, the regional arts organisation for central west NSW. In this position she also participated in creating the first Regional Creative Arts and Tourism Strategy for the Central West. In Canberra, she was founding director of Belconnen Arts Centre for the first 4 years coordinating the development of public programs and selecting exhibitions. As Visitor Services and Events Manager at the National Arboretum Canberra in its first 5 years of opening, Hannah coordinated public programs including exhibitions, festivals and events.

Hannah’s creative arts practice is currently focussed on textiles and the environment, now residing in her new home on the South Coast of NSW.

Hannah holds a BA Interior Design and a Grad. Dip in Arts Management, both from UTS.

NANCY SEVER

From 1993 to 2012 Nancy Sever was Director of the Australian National University’s Drill Hall Gallery and Director of the ANU Art Collection. In 2010 she was the recipient of the ANU Chancellor’s Annual Award for outstanding service to the ANU campus community.

From 2014-2024 she was director of the Nancy Sever Gallery at City Walk and since 2025 she continues to run the gallery online. She currently serves as Director of Linguaset Translations, a well-established language services provider with a distinguished track record of delivering translation and interpreting services to government and commercial clients.

Born in Peru, she became an Australian citizen after her marriage to Adrian Sever in 1975. She is a graduate in Latin American Studies from La Sorbonne, Paris, and in Art History and Curatorship from the ANU. She was Cultural Affairs Officer at the Australian Embassy in Paris for several years while her husband was on a diplomatic posting there.

The high esteem in which she is held within the visual arts community, both locally and internationally, was formally recognised in 2007 when the French Government awarded her a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for services to art both in France and Australia.

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.

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 – All Entrants Notified of Judging Outcome (Finalists Advised)
September 23 – In Person Deliveries to Gallery 10-12pm
(note post/courier delivery by prior arrangement to nominated address – not gallery)
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

Questions?

For further information, please email artprize@riverofart.com.au
Please make sure you’re signed up to receive all the latest news into your inbox.

View PAST Finalists and Winners

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.