Wollongong Art Gallery Director Daniel Mudie Cunningham is excited to break down barriers with the Wollongong Art Prize. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
A reimagined Wollongong Art Prize has smashed records this year, drawing more than 1100 entries from across Australia and cementing its place as one of the nation’s most exciting contemporary art competitions.
From the impressive field, 220 finalists have been selected to compete for a total prize pool of $32,000, including the $25,000 acquisitive top prize, a $5000 local artist award, and a $2000 people’s choice prize.
Among the finalists are 61 Illawarra artists, highlighting the depth of talent within the region.
This year’s entries mark the largest number received for an art prize since the Wollongong Art Gallery’s inception.
It’s a significant milestone and a major undertaking for the curatorial committee, which includes Hazelhurst Arts Centre curator Dr Victoria Wynne-Jones and the Wollongong Art Gallery curatorial team led by Dr Daniel Mudie Cunningham.
“The extraordinary response to the reimagined Wollongong Art Prize reflects the strength and ambition of artists across Australia, and the renewed energy surrounding the gallery’s program,” Daniel said.
“As one of the country’s largest regional galleries, we’re proud to offer a prize that celebrates bold, diverse and accessible contemporary art.
“The calibre of work is exceptional, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences locally and nationally.”
Wollongong Art Prize first launched in 1956 and was originally focused on watercolour, cementing itself as a cherished cultural tradition which brought in prize-winning acquisitions from renowned artists such as Col Jordan, James Hall and Lorraine Homes.
Now, the 2025 edition of the prestigious national art competition embraces a bold, contemporary vision with entries from across all mediums and a strong focus on inclusivity and community.
While it’s Daniel’s first time overseeing the prize, he has played a key role in shaping the direction and evolution of the prize into its current form.
“Revitalising the prize is about more than just art; it’s about access, inclusivity and community,” he said.
“By opening the prize to all mediums, we’re not just expanding the canvas, we’re expanding the conversation.”
This year’s judge is National Art School director and CEO Dr Kristen Sharp, a leading figure in contemporary art whose work explores public art, urban space, and sound art.
Kristen brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, curatorial practice, and international research to the role.
Wollongong Art Prize finalists’ works will be shown in the Wollongong Art Prize exhibition from 6 December through to early March 2026.
Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening on 5 December at 6 pm.
