Entries open for 2026 Outback Art prize

“Any Space Will Do” from John Murray of Lightning Ridge

Story: Chris Rieger

Artists from across western and north-western New South Wales are being invited to submit their work for the 2026 Outback Country Art Prize, with entries remaining open until Monday, August 17.

Formerly known as the Outback Archies, the annual competition was established in 2011 to provide artists living in rural and remote communities with an opportunity to exhibit their work, compete for cash prizes and gain access to professional development.

The prize has continued to grow through long-term partnerships which also provide selected artists with opportunities to exhibit their work through metropolitan gallery partners.

Now in its 15th year, the competition has become a highly anticipated event for regional artists and the wider community.

Three new open categories have been introduced for 2026 — Landscapes, Legends and Lifelines — with artists able to interpret the themes through any visual arts medium other than video or audio works.

The competition is open to adult artists living within the Bourke, Brewarrina, Bogan, Cobar, Coonamble, Warren, Walgett, Gilgandra, Narrabri, Moree, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Gwydir, Tamworth, Broken Hill, Wentworth and Central Darling local government areas, as well as the Western Unincorporated Area. […]

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