The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s leading prize for drawing, and an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation and expanded practice. Presented at the National Art School in partnership with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, this biennial exhibition continues to highlight the enduring relevance and changing role of drawing within contemporary art practice. The winning work enters the National Art School’s significant collection, built over the past 120 years.
This year, the Dobell Drawing Prize will be judged by a panel of three judges: Joan Ross (artist), Paula Latos-Valier AM (Art Director and Trustee, Sir William Dobell Art Foundation) and Dr Lorraine Kypiotis (National Art School).
The judges will individually review each digital entry before convening as a panel in November 2026 to select approximately 50 finalists. The winner will be selected by the panel of judges from the finalists’ exhibition at the National Art School Gallery in April 2027.
To be eligible for selection, artists must read the Terms and Conditions of entry and complete the steps in the online entry form.
Important Dates:
- Entries open: 10am Thursday 9 July 2026
- Entries close: 5pm Monday 14 September 2026
- Finalists announced: Friday 20 November 2026
- Winner announced: Thursday 8 April 2027
- Exhibition opens: Friday 9 April 2027
- Exhibition closes: Friday 3 July 2027
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Image: 24th Dobell Drawing Prize Winner, Rosemary Lee with National Art School Director and CEO Dr Kristen Sharp
For more information click here
