Read the frequently asked questions before submitting your artwork.
For any further questions, contact the Artful team at hello@artful.org.au
What is Artful?
The Artful Art Prize is a free to enter national art competition open to all residents of Australia.
What are the categories in the Artful Art Prize?
There are 6 categories. They are:
Category 1: Drawing
This includes drawings created using pencil, crayon, oil pastel, marker, texta, charcoal, and graphite.
Category 2: Painting
This includes paintings created using water colour paints, acrylic paint, oil paint, finger paint, and ink.
Category 3: Mixed Media
This includes artworks that are created using a variety of media and can include any combination of painting, drawing, photography, collage and found objects.
Category 4: 3-Dimensional
This includes all 3D artworks and sculptures that can be created using any material including clay, wire, wood, paper, cardboard, paddle pop sticks and found objects.
Category 5: Photography
This includes photographs created using old fashioned film cameras, disposable cameras and digital photography using an iPhone or digital camera.
Category 6: Textiles
This includes anything created using fabric, wool, cotton, and thread.
When does the Artful Art Prize competition open?
Submissions to the Artful Art Prize open on Monday 1 June 2026 and close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 20 June 2026. Winners will be announced on Friday 31 July 2026.
Who is behind the Artful Art Prize?
Artful is a collaboration between Achieve Australia and Accessible Arts. This art prize was created to celebrate everyone’s unique perspectives and experiences through the medium of art.
My artwork explores difficult themes, is this okay?
We value artistic freedom and understand that art can be challenging, emotional and provocative. Please ensure your artwork meets the Artful Community Guidelines which exist to support creative expression while ensuring Artful remains a respectful and inclusive space for everyone.
How do I take part in the Artful Art Prize?
You can take part in the Artful Art Prize by submitting an entry. The submission process is easy, just follow these 3 steps:
Step 1 – Create a piece of art
Step 2 – Take 4 photos of your artwork or create a short video of your artwork
Step 3 – Submit your artwork or artworks via this website.
You can enter in up to 3 categories as long as you submit no more than one artwork in each category.
Who is eligible to submit an entry for the Artful Art Prize?
The Artful Art Prize is open to all artists regardless of age, background, ability, or experience. You just have to be an Australian resident to enter.
What are the prizes in the Artful Art Prize?
Winners in each category receive an Eckersleys gift card valued at $1000. Runner ups will receive a $250 Eckersleys gift card. Winners, runner ups and highly commended artworks will have the opportunity to display their works in a physical exhibition later in the year.
How will winners of the Artful Art Prize be exhibited?
The winners of each category of the Artful Art Prize will be exhibited in an online gallery on this website. Finalists and winners will be invited to bring their artworks to a physical exhibition in late 2026 with details to be announced soon.
I have more than 1 artwork for a category, can I submit 2 artworks in one category?
You can only enter one artwork in each category. You can enter 3 artworks in the Artful Art Prize across 3 categories.
Will the judges be judging photos of the artworks only?
Yes, the purpose of Artful is to link community and art, so we want it to be accessible for everyone regardless of where they live.
Judging photos means everyone is judged on the photos they submit.
If the photos are not of high enough quality to be judged fairly, we will contact the artist and help them to upload alternate photos.
I am having issues uploading my photos to the website. Can someone help me?
Yes, we are aiming to help everyone who needs it. Simply email us at hello@artful.org.au with some information on what you are having issues with, and we will contact you.
Can a group enter an artwork in Artful for judging?
Yes, we accept entries as a group. Should the artwork win a category the gift card will be awarded to the group.
Why was my artwork rejected?
In the unlikely event that an artwork does not meet our community guidelines:
• Artful may choose not to publish the artwork in the gallery or withdraw it after publication
• Where appropriate, we may contact the artist to explain the decision or request clarification
• Decisions are final, but are made respectfully and transparently
Rejection of an artwork does not reflect the value of the artist or their creative voice.
In partnership with Accessible Arts
As the peak body for arts and disability in NSW, Accessible Arts champions the rights and opportunities of people with disability or who are d/Deaf to pursue careers and access the arts equitably.
For over 35 years, we’ve delivered programs, workshops, and services that support career growth, audience development, and community engagement in the arts and disability sector.
