Hunter Emerging Art Prize

ABOUT

The Hunter Emerging Art Prize 2026 (HEAP) is the leading art prize for emerging artists in the Hunter. Running for more than 20 years its intention is to support creatives at the early stages of their career.

We have a New Disability Inclusion Section Prize for HEAP 2026 which is supported by the Lee Family in memory of Fina Lee. We accept works across the following mediums: painting, ceramics, works on paper, photo media, sculpture and experimental.

This prize is not possible without the support of the following amazing sponsors!

SPONSORS:
Maclean's Booksellers
Pettigrew
Wilton Lemke Stewart

Stevens Conveyancing

This is Not Art

HIC Services

Clay Room

BJs Workwear

Bevan Leach Physiotherapy

Lee Family in Memory of Fina Lee

Squires Family in Memory of Jody Robinson

Newcastle Art Space

This prize is open to emerging artists living in the local government areas of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, and the Upper Hunter. Entries can be made online by submitting images and a statement about your work and it is best to use a computer not a phone to complete your application. See our terms and conditions for the definition of 'emerging'.

Your work will be initially judged by the photo you provide. Try to photograph your work with good lighting and no other distractions. Only the selected finalists will be required to deliver their actual works to Newcastle Art Space for prize judging and exhibition.

HUNTER EMERGING ART PRIZE 2026 TIMELINE

Entries Close: Midnight Tues 9 June 2026

Finalist announcement: Fri 26 June 2025

Delivery of finalists’ works: 10am – 2pm 8th – 10th July 2026 & Sun 12th July 12-4pm

Winners announcement at the exhibition opening: Fri 31st July 6pm - 8pm

Exhibition Duration: 31st July - 30th Aug 2026

Collection of unsold works: 3pm – 4pm Sun 30th Aug, 10am – 2pm 2nd-4th Sep 2026

Entry Fee: $55 (all entries close midnight 9 June 2026)

Maximum two entries per artist.

Entry fees are non-refundable. These fees go towards the administration and management of the prize.

PRIZE MONEY

The total prize pool is $12,000 with prizes offered across diverse artforms.

MAJOR PRIZES

Overall Prize: $5000 Sponsored by Pettigrew, Wilton Lemke Stewart, HIC Services,

The Overall Prize will be awarded to the best work across all Sections.

Disability Inclusion Prize: $1000 Sponsored by the Lee Family in memory of Fina Lee.

This prize will be awarded across all sections.

To enter this section we refer to disability as “physical, psychiatric, intellectual or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder the person’s full and effective participation in the community on an equal basis with others.” This definition can be found on the website of the arts and disability advisory body Accessible Arts

Youth Prize: $1000 Sponsored by the Squires Family in memory of Jody Robinson

This Prize will be awarded across all sections by an artist aged under 25.