Artsoz | Australian art directory, exhibitions, prizes and artist resources
hello@artsoz.com.au | Online art resource, open 24/7
Artsoz / Art prize guide

Wynne Prize

The Wynne Prize is one of the major annual prizes run by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It is awarded for either the best landscape painting of Australian scenery in oils or watercolours, or the best example of figure sculpture by an Australian artist.

Prize snapshot

PrizeWynne Prize
TypeLandscape painting / figure sculpture
State / scopeNSW
Prize value$50,000
Current statusClosed for 2026; finalists announced 30 April; winners announced 8 May
Official sourceOpen official entry information
Last reviewed by ArtsozMay 2026

Who this prize suits

Artists working in landscape painting, watercolour, oil painting or figure sculpture who can meet the strict delivery, residency, date-of-work and handling conditions.

Who should be cautious

Artists whose work is digital-only, photographic-only, non-figure sculpture, non-Australian landscape subject matter, or unable to be delivered physically to AGNSW under the official conditions.

Key requirements and conditions to check

The notes below are a practical summary for planning. They do not replace the official terms and conditions. Before entering, open the official prize page and check every date, fee, eligibility rule, delivery requirement and collection condition.

  • For 2026, online entry forms were available from 2 February to 27 March 2026.
  • The 2026 date of work requirement was 27 March 2025 to 27 March 2026.
  • The 2026 eligibility period required the artist to be resident in Australia from 27 March 2025 to 27 March 2026.
  • The 2026 handling fee was $50, paid online by credit/debit card.
  • Artists did not upload an image as part of the online entry process.
  • After submitting the online form, artists needed printed copies of the form to accompany the original artwork.
  • Courier-only delivery was listed for 19–20 March 2026, with artist/representative/courier delivery listed for 23–27 March 2026.
  • Works had to be delivered to the Art Gallery of NSW delivery dock at Naala Nura, Art Gallery Road, Sydney.
  • Sculptures over 100kg had to be delivered on a pallet for movement.
  • Finalist works are not automatically acquired by the Art Gallery of NSW.

How to prepare an entry

A strong prize entry is not only about the artwork. It also depends on whether the work fits the category, whether it can be safely delivered, whether all paperwork is prepared, and whether the artist understands the exhibition and collection obligations.

  • Confirm whether the work is a landscape painting of Australian scenery in oils or watercolour, or figure sculpture.
  • Check the date of work requirement before entering.
  • Budget for the handling fee, freight, packing and possible return transport.
  • Prepare a work that can be safely handled by the Gallery.
  • Remove hooks, wires or hanging devices if required by the official conditions.
  • If the work is complex or multi-part, prepare printed installation instructions and reference photography.
  • Print and attach the entry form copies exactly as required.
  • Open the AGNSW page before entering and save a copy of the official conditions.

Common mistakes

  • Entering a landscape that is not Australian scenery.
  • Assuming an image upload is enough instead of delivering the original work.
  • Missing the delivery window.
  • Forgetting printed entry forms.
  • Leaving hanging devices on the work when official conditions say to remove them.
  • Ignoring weight, pallet and manual-handling requirements for sculpture.

Practical planning note

Put the official deadline, delivery period, fee, work dimensions, medium restrictions and collection period into your own tracker. If the prize requires physical delivery, do not wait until the closing week to solve transport or framing.

Artsoz note

Prize details can change between years. Artsoz is useful for understanding the shape of the opportunity, but the official organiser page is the only reliable source for entry conditions.

Related resources

DATA

Art Prize Database

Compare Australian art prizes.

XLSX

Prize tracker

Download planning tracker.

GUIDE

Choose an art prize

Decide whether to enter.

UPDATE

Suggest update

Send a correction or missing detail.

Know an Australian art resource worth listing?

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.

Suggest a Resource