Plain-English explanations of common art terms used in Australian galleries, prizes, grants, collections, exhibitions and artist applications.
This glossary is written for Australian artists, students, teachers, collectors, gallery visitors and community arts organisers. It focuses on practical terms you are likely to see in exhibition labels, art prize terms, grant applications, gallery proposals, collection records and artist resources.
An art prize where the winning work, or selected awarded work, is acquired into a collection as part of the prize terms.
A gallery, project space or platform usually run by artists, often supporting experimental, emerging or peer-led practice.
A short written explanation of an artist’s ideas, process, materials or context for a body of work.
In Australia, often used for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled art centres, as well as local government or community arts spaces.
A commercial or public-facing event where galleries, artists or art organisations present works to collectors and audiences.
A competitive exhibition or award where artists submit work for judging, often with cash, acquisition or exhibition outcomes.
A large exhibition or arts event held every two years.
A group of related artworks connected by theme, process, medium, research or period.
A publication or digital record accompanying an exhibition, collection or artist project.
An artwork made to order for a client, organisation, public place or exhibition.
Creative work developed with or for a community, often involving participation, social context or local storytelling.
Art made in the present period, often engaging with current ideas, materials, technologies and social conditions.
Legal rights that protect original creative works, including reproduction and communication rights.
A person who develops, selects, researches and presents exhibitions or collections.
The formal removal of an artwork from a collection, usually under a collection policy.
Artwork made, presented or distributed using digital technologies.
Two related panels or artworks designed to be displayed together.
A limited number of identical or closely controlled works, commonly used for prints, photographs, sculpture and digital works.
An artist in the early stage of professional practice. The definition varies by prize, grant or organisation.
Expression of Interest. A preliminary application used for public art, commissions, exhibitions, tenders or grants.
A written submission outlining an exhibition idea, artists, works, rationale, images and practical requirements.
An artist or artwork selected for the final exhibition or judging stage of a prize.
Art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, grounded in diverse cultures, Countries, communities and contemporary practices.
The transport of artwork to or from a gallery, prize, buyer or exhibition venue.
An ongoing relationship where a commercial gallery represents an artist, promotes work and usually handles sales.
A final report showing how grant money was spent and what outcomes were achieved.
Artwork created as an environment or spatial experience, often involving objects, sound, video, light or site-specific elements.
Cover for risks such as artwork damage, public liability, studio contents, freight or exhibition loss.
A written agreement covering the temporary loan of an artwork for exhibition or display.
An art prize run or supported by a local council, often connected to community culture, civic collections or regional arts activity.
The material or method used to make an artwork.
Personal rights of creators, including attribution and protection against false attribution or derogatory treatment.
A public invitation for artists to apply for an exhibition, prize, residency, commission or program.
A unique artwork, as distinct from a reproduction or open edition print.
A curated selection of an artist’s work used for applications, galleries, clients or study.
The first sale of an artwork, usually through an artist, gallery or art fair.
The documented history of ownership, exhibition and authenticity of an artwork.
Art made for public places, often commissioned by councils, developers, governments or institutions.
A structured period where an artist is given time, space or support to develop work, research or collaborate.
An exhibition looking back across a significant period of an artist’s career.
Resale of artworks after the first sale, usually through auction houses, dealers or private sale.
Artwork made for a particular location, context or architectural setting.
Images, video, CVs, statements, reviews or documents supplied with an application.
Three related panels or artworks intended to be displayed together.
Interpretive text displayed in an exhibition to explain an artwork, artist or theme.
An artwork made on paper, such as drawing, printmaking, watercolour, collage or photography.
Use this when terms such as finalist, acquisitive, medium and support material appear in prize rules.
Helpful for artist statements, CVs, biographies and proposal language.
More collecting-specific terms such as provenance, primary market and edition.
Artsoz is designed to be a practical directory for artists, collectors, students, galleries and art lovers. Send useful art prizes, open calls, galleries, local council resources or learning links.