We are thrilled to announce the M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2026, proudly supported by The Tall Foundation.
The M16 Artspace Drawing Prize invites submissions in traditional drawing media and techniques, as well as innovative, experimental formats that extend and challenge understandings of what constitutes drawing in contemporary art practices.
As a staple in our exhibition calendar since 2006, this prestigious prize celebrates the breadth and diversity of contemporary drawing practice, attracting hundreds of entries from across Australia.
M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2026 Judging Panel
- Michelle Cawthorn, Dharawal/Sydney based artist who invokes personal and collective memory through her distinctive visual language of repetitive mark making.
- Dean Cross, born and raised on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country and is a Worimi man through his paternal bloodline primarily working across installation, sculpture and painting.
- Terence Maloon OAM, former Senior Curator of Special Exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Director of Drill Hall Gallery.
Total prize pool of over $15,000
Main Prize:
- M16 Artspace Drawing Prize
Proudly supported by the Tall Foundation
Prize: $10,000 - M16 Artspace Drawing Prize Highly Commended
Proudly supported by Delta Cleaning
Prize: $1,000 - First Nations Artist Award
Proudly supported by M16 Artspace
Prize: $2,000 - Megalo Print Studio Local Artist Award
Kindly supported by Megalo Print Studio
Prize: A Megalo Print Studio residency including a 2-week studio residency, 12 month membership and 5 hours one-on-one tuition - Local Artist Award
Proudly supported by Cox Architecture
Prize: $500 art materials voucher - People’s Choice Award
Kindly supported by The Framing Store
Prize: $500 framing voucher
Young Drawers Prize:
Proudly supported by Capital Chemist
Young Drawers Awards:
- Junior: $200 Art Supplies Voucher
- Senior: $300 Art Supplies Voucher
Young Drawers Digital Awards:
- Junior: $200 Art Material Voucher
- Senior: $300 Art Material Voucher
Entries close: 11:59pm Sunday 4 October 2026
Read our conditions of entry and frequently asked questions on our website.
Apply now via the link below.
2. Installation view, M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2025. Image courtesy Brenton McGeachie.
3. Installation view, M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2025. Image courtesy Brenton McGeachie.
4. M16 Artspace Drawing Prize 2025 Winner: Surya Bajracharya, Margaret and Frazer Fair, 2025. Charcoal, 61 x 80 cm. Image Brenton McGeachie.
For more information click here.
For more information click here
