As many artists know, entering an art prize is often about more than just hoping to win. It’s about the opportunity to put your work in front of respected judges, connecting with fellow creatives, and feeling part of a vibrant artistic community.
For Sydney artist and past winner Silke Raetze, entering the Hornsby Art Prize led to an experience that was both professionally and personally impactful.
Now, artists from across the country have a chance to follow in her footsteps, with entries officially open for the 2026 Hornsby Art Prize.
Hornsby Art Prize – quick links
A prize for emerging and established artists alike
Running since 2009, the annual Hornsby Art Prize celebrates contemporary Australian art and offers significant opportunities to emerging and established artists alike. The respected prize is organised and sponsored by Hornsby Shire Council in Sydney, and delivered in partnership with the Hornsby Art Society.
This year’s prize pool totals an impressive $23,000, which includes the main $10,000 Hornsby Art Prize. Additional awards include the $5000 Hornsby Shire Local Artist Award, plus five category prizes of $1500 each, along with the always-popular People’s Choice Award worth $500.
Artists can enter works across five categories: painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and sculpture. The competition is open to all permanent Australian residents aged 18 years and over, with two entries permitted per artist.
This year’s judges are two highly respected Australian artists: Archibald Prize winner Guido Maestri and acclaimed still life painter Mirra Whale. The 2026 finalists will then be included in an exhibition at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre in Sydney in October.
The impact of professional recognition and financial support
For Raetze, who won the 2025 Hornsby Art Prize with her painting Green Tea with Alex, the journey began with a portrait of her friend and fellow artist Alex Seton.
‘When I visit Alex in his studio, we drink cups of green tea while sitting on marble blocks in the sun,’ she says. ‘He is curious and genuinely engaged in our conversation, so I hope I convey this quality about him.’
Green Tea with Alex was chosen from a highly competitive field of 415 entries from across Australia, with judges selecting 71 finalists for the exhibition. For Raetze, winning the major prize was a moment she’ll never forget.
‘I was absolutely elated,’ she says. ‘I was shocked, surprised, thrilled, overwhelmed … I have been a finalist in a lot of prizes and have been rejected even more, so to win was just amazing.’
The impact of the prize extended far beyond the artistic recognition. Shortly after receiving the award, Raetze was diagnosed with breast cancer and says the prize money was invaluable in helping her continue her creative practice during treatment.
‘The money supported my art practice during my treatment so I could keep making work,’ she says. ‘You really just never know what’s around the corner in life.’
It also enabled a long-awaited purchase for the studio. ‘For the first time ever, I could afford to buy a whole roll of raw linen. It was beautiful to have this in the studio and use it as I needed it.’
For artists considering entering this year, Raetze’s advice is clear. ‘Do it!’ she says. ‘It was a great experience the whole way through the process. It was so well run and put together. I felt delighted to just be a finalist and amongst such talented company.’
With valuable prizes, respected judges and a finalists exhibition, the 2026 Hornsby Art Prize offers artists an opportunity well worth taking. Every artwork selected as a finalist is also available for sale at the exhibition, with a low 25% commission supporting the work of the Hornsby Art Society.
Whether you’re an emerging artist seeking exposure or an established practitioner looking for your next challenge, this could be the year to put your work forward.
