The Halloran Contemporary Art Prize is an acquisitive art prize that engages with and responds to the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum’s Halloran Collection: Science & the Sea. Open to NSW and ACT residents.
The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery is pleased to announce the theme for the Halloran Art Prize 2027: Between Light and Reason – inviting artists to explore space between what we see and what we understand. Inspired by the Halloran’s Collection of philosophical and optical instruments artists are encouraged to respond to their scientific, maritime, mathematical, philosophical and optical instruments exploring ideas of light, truth, perception, illusion and discovery. Whether through abstraction, material investigation, storytelling, installation, photography, moving image, or conceptual practice.
With a total prize pool of $27,000, including First Place (acquisitive), Runner-Up People’s Choice the Halloran Art Prize continues to position itself as a significant regional art award. Providing a significant platform for artists to engage with history through a contemporary lens, connecting enlightenment ideas with present-day concerns around perception, knowledge, power, and uncertainty.
We invite all artists over 18 living in NSW or ACT, working in any medium to enter. All artists are encouraged to download the full 2027 Guidelines and Terms and conditions by visiting our website: www.jervisbaymaritimemuseum.com.au
All Artists submissions must be made by COB Monday 30th November 2026
Image 1:Â Blow the Wind Southerly, Chris Leaver. Mixed Media and Sound. First Prize, 2025.
Image 2: 4th of November, Off Bowen Island, Gary Martin. Acrylic on Canvas. Highly Commended 2025.
Image 3: “… Here between the hither and the farther shore…” Anna Glynn. Photomontage, archival cotton rag. Runner Up, 2025.
Image 4:Â Bath Time Off Red Point, Mook Simpson. Digital Print of composite on The Dart Off Red Point by Ian Hansen. Presented in faux gilt frame. Highly Commended 2025.
Image 5: The Halloran Contemporary Art Prize finalist exhibition at Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery, 2025.
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