Organizer Information
City of Joondalup, Western Australia, supports local arts and culture through initiatives such as the Invitation Art Prize. The City manages a contemporary art collection and hosts exhibitions to showcase regional artistic talent. Through the IAP, the City provides professional artists opportunities to create new works, gain public exposure, and contribute to the cultural legacy of the region.
Title & Description
2026 Invitation Art Prize (IAP)
The 2026 Invitation Art Prize is one of Western Australia’s most respected visual arts awards, inviting professional artists to submit entries for a significant acquisitive prize of $25,000. Winning works become part of the City of Joondalup Art Collection, enriching the community’s cultural heritage. Invited artists receive an artist fee to create a new body of work for exhibition at the Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery in October 2026.
The exhibition celebrates contemporary visual arts practices in Western Australia, providing insight into innovative artistic approaches and supporting the ongoing development of the City’s Art Collection. Submissions are reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished arts professionals, ensuring high standards of curation and recognition for participating artists. This opportunity is both a professional development platform and a chance to gain state-wide visibility.
Categories
Visual Art (all media accepted; 2D, 3D, installation, mixed media, digital, or other contemporary visual arts practices)
Eligibility
- Nationality/Region: Must be a resident of Western Australia for at least 12 months prior to December 5, 2025.
- Professional Standing: Applicants must meet at least three of the following: tertiary qualifications in visual arts; work in major public collections; income from arts activities; significant peer-recognized expertise; gallery representation; current, active exhibition history; prior awards or commissions.
- Exclusions: Employees of the City of Joondalup are not eligible.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Acquisitive Award: $25,000, winning work enters the City of Joondalup Art Collection
- Artist Fee: Paid to create a new body of work for exhibition
- Exhibition: Display at Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery in October 2026
- Professional Recognition: Work reviewed by an expert panel; significant exposure for state-wide audiences
Application Fee
No Entry fee
Application Requirements
- Contact information
- Artist statement (max 250 words)
- Artist biography (max 250 words)
- CV (max 1 page, ≤2MB)
- Up to 5 digital images of work
- Online submission only; no hard copies accepted
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 December 2025
- Notification Date: End of January 2026
- Exhibition Period: October 2026 at Joondalup Contemporary Art Gallery
Location
Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
Additional Details
- Submissions must be professional, original works suitable for exhibition
- Selected artists contribute to the City’s permanent collection
- Panel includes Mayma Awaida, Myles Russell-Cook, and Mark Stewart
- Opportunity emphasises contribution to regional artistic development and community engagement
Website Link: https://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/city-and-council
