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Arts figures recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours

A concert pianist, an arts patron and many more have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours.

9 Jun 2026 15:23

Richard Watts

All Arts

Which artists and arts workers have made this year’s honours list? Image: Paul Miller.

An acclaimed author, a concert pianist and an arts patron and philanthropist are among the 949 Australians recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list.

Mrs Elisabeth Janet Calvert-Jones from Victoria was one of just five Australians awarded the highest honour, the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), for eminent service to philanthropy, the arts, medical research organisations, the community and children and youth.

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Richard Watts

Richard Watts OAM is ArtsHub's National Performing Arts Editor; he also presents the weekly program SmartArts on Three Triple R FM. Richard is a life member of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, a Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend, and was awarded the 2019 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards' Facilitator's Prize in early 2020. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Green Room Awards Association in 2021, and a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in June 2024. Photo: Fiona Hamilton. Follow Richard on Bluesky @richardthewatts.bsky.social and Instagram @richard.l.watts