The Bundanoon Community Association, in collaboration with its subcommittee Arts Bundanoon, is proud to present the first-ever Bundanoon Portrait Prize and Exhibition — a vibrant new celebration of portraiture and the people of the Southern Highlands.

This exciting event will bring together artists from across Australia to capture the faces, stories, and spirit of the Southern Highlands, past and present. Whether you're a professional artist or an emerging talent, the Bundanoon Portrait Prize offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work in one of New South Wales' most picturesque and creative communities.

The exhibition will run from 6–20 March 2026 at the White Gallery, Bundanoon, with a gala opening on 6 March from 6–8pm, featuring live music, refreshments, a guest speaker, and the announcement of the major awards.

What Makes This Prize Special?

The Bundanoon Portrait Prize is more than an art competition—it is a community celebration. The competition is open to all Australian-based artists working in two-dimensional portraiture (non-photographic), with a focus on subjects who have a connection to the Southern Highlands region of NSW. Entries can feature historic figures or contemporary locals, capturing the people who have shaped or continue to shape our vibrant community.

Selected works will be professionally exhibited and promoted throughout the Southern Highlands, Canberra, and Sydney, supported by a print, radio, and social media campaign.

Awards and Recognition

We are delighted to offer the following prizes:

• First Place: $1,500

• People’s Choice: $250 (announced at close of exhibition)

• Aspiring Artist (under 18 years): $100

Winners will be recognised on opening night, with all exhibiting artists having the opportunity to display and sell their work (a 15% commission applies on sales).

Entry Guidelines

• Works must be on paper, canvas, or board (no photography), completed within the last 12 months.

• Maximum size: 1m x 1m (framed).

• Artists must provide a digital jpeg image (300dpi) of their work, a completed entry form, a $30 entry fee, and a short artist statement (up to 250 words) describing the subject and story behind the portrait.

• Works must be delivered ready to hang and labelled with the artist’s name, artwork title, and sale price or “Not For Sale”.

For full details and to download the application form - click HERE

or contact the team at:

📧 bundanoon.portraitprize@bca.asn.au

📞 Danita Phelan: 0492 810 201 | Linda Bottari: 0418 157 180

Key Dates

• Entries open: 1 August 2025

• Entries close: 1 December 2025

• Notification of acceptance: 20 January 2026

• Exhibition: 6–20 March 2026

• Opening Gala Night: 6 March 2026, 6–8pm

• Collection of unsold works: 23 March 2026