Compact Prints 2026

Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts invites artists working in traditional and digital print media to participate in our latest international print program. Compact Prints 2026 celebrates contemporary print practices while offering a forum to exchange artwork and ideas. The program provides artists an opportunity to connect with an expansive printmaking community and exhibit in a contemporary gallery (with The Studio downstairs featuring lithographic and etching presses, and an analogue photographic darkroom). 

Each artist contributes three prints: one is exhibited (and kept by Umbrella for archiving and potential touring); one is auctioned as a fundraiser for Umbrella and to assist with event costs; and one print is posted as an artwork exchange with another participant, through a random selection process. The exhibition, artworks and details will also be documented and presented digitally for international and Australian audiences to explore. Explore the previous years’ prints, exhibitions and more details here.

PROGRAM OUTLINE
1. Register to participate by 5pm Friday 9 October 2026
2. Artists create their prints
3. Submit print details online by 5pm Friday 9 October 2026
4. Artists deliver their prints by 5pm Friday 23 October 2026
5. Exhibition on display 6 November – 13 December 2026
6. Auction Saturday 12 December 2026
7. Return of exchange prints following the exhibition closure