Presented by Midsumma Festival
Since its inauguration in 2016 the Midsumma Art Award has quickly established itself as an important award in the ecology of the arts. With finalists selected from across the country, the non-acquisitive annual award is a survey of outstanding queer artists working across mediums reflecting their potent personal and political perspectives on the world.
The art award is open nation-wide to artists in any medium, though please take into consideration the current environment in Australia. We encourage anyone in Australia to apply. Finalists’ work is exhibited as part of the subsequent Midsumma Festival (between 28 January and 7 February 2026).
Australia’s leading queer visual arts award
Now in its eleventh year, a selection of queer artists from across the country showcase their personal and political perspectives of the world.
Award categories
- Major Award – $6000
- People’s Choice Award provided by Australia Post – $1,000
- Bundoora Art Prize Award – a paid artist development and exhibition opportunity
To submit for this award please visit the Midsumma website, to fill in the submission form.
Submissions close: 23:59, 31 Oct 2025
Finalists notified and announced: tbc (December 2025)
Install: 27 Jan 2026
Exhibition Opening and Awards Announced: 29 Jan 2026
People’s Choice announced: tbc Feb 2026
Exhibition: 28 Jan-7 Feb 2026
De-install: 7 Feb 2026 (Artworks can be collected 9 Feb 26)
When applying online you will be asked to provide the following information:
- The artist’s name, contact details and other personal information;
- ABN (if applicable) and GST status;
- The title of the artwork submitted;
- The year the artwork was created;
- The medium and dimensions of the artwork;
- The sale price of the artwork (where applicable; including GST if applicable);
- Notes on display of the artwork – please also include any notes on how the artwork could be displayed digitally, there is a high chance the exhibition will have both a physical and digital presence.
- An artist statement for didactic (1200 character limit, including spaces);
- The artist’s CV(maximum one page in length; provided as a weblink);
- A biography of the artist for didactic (1200 character limit, including spaces);
- Images of the artwork– a weblink to a maximum of three (3) high resolution images. This will be used for assessing your application and may be used for promotional purposes. Please utilise a filename with the artist’s full name to allow for easy identification.
- Full-length version of your video or audio work if applicable, as a weblink. Please also provide any applicable passwords. This will be used for assessing your application;
- Headshot of the artist (jpeg format; high resolution) for inclusion on the Midsumma website.
To submit for this award please visit the Midsumma website, to fill in the submission form.
Submissions close: 23:59, 31 Oct 2025
For more information click here
