Next year’s Members’ Exhibition arrives earlier than ever, a cheeky surprise to launch the anniversary celebrations with a bang!
The theme, Critical Mass, pays tribute to the sheer force of artists and art lovers who have shaped Umbrella over four decades. It speaks to the energy that builds when creative people gather – the spark that can shift perspectives, create change, and ripple through communities.
The phrase carries multiple resonances: the weight of history and presence, the balancing act of form and concept, the push and pull between harmony and dissonance across both two and three dimensions. Members are invited to interpret the theme broadly, with humour, urgency, intimacy or gravity, creating a true mass of critical, thoughtful, and daring works.
Critical Mass will mark the beginning of a year-long celebration with a themed-dress party: Eighties Futurism. Expect sharp edges, neon dreams and retro-visions of the future as we launch into our 40th year with style!
Umbrella’s Members’ Exhibitions have always been about celebrating the breadth and brilliance of our creative community. For our milestone 40th, Critical Mass promises to be the most charged gathering yet.
The exhibition will again feature the following prizes:
$1,000 Art Prize
Generously sponsored by Bamford Community Care
The Studio Prize
FREE 3-month membership to The Studio
Entries close: 5pm Monday 19 January 2026
Artwork delivery: Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Opening launch (Dress code: Eighties Futurism): 6pm Friday 30 January 2026
Conditions of Entry
Eligibility
1. All entrants must be financial members of Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts for the duration of the exhibition. Membership must be valid at the time of application and extend throughout the exhibition period. Entry is free for Umbrella members.
2. Artists of all experience levels and ages are welcome to apply.
3. Umbrella’s staff and management committee may enter works, but they are ineligible to be awarded one of the exhibitions prizes.
For more information click here
