UMSU and the George Paton Gallery invite submissions from currently enrolled University of Melbourne students working across all visual art and design mediums.

The UMSU Art Prize is a biennial award presented by the University of Melbourne Student Union, celebrating the creative practices of currently enrolled University of Melbourne students. Presented at the historic George Paton Gallery, the Prize provides a platform for innovative, critical and experimental artistic practices across visual art and design. Student voices give shape and clarity to the troubles of the present, hope for the future, and lessons of the past — this is your opportunity to add your voice to chorus. 

ENTRIES CLOSE SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026, MIDNIGHT AEST. 

APPLY NOW VIA OUR ONLINE FORM 

The UMSU Art Prize offers two awards: 

• $5,000 UMSU Art Prize 
• $1,000 People’s Choice Award 

Shortlisted artists will have their artworks displayed in the George Paton Gallery for the UMSU Art Prize 2026 exhibition, presented from 17 September to 9 October 2026. 

The 2026 Judging Panel is comprised of Hannah Presley (Senior Curator, Museums and Collections at University of Melbourne); Brigid Moriarty (Curator, Gertrude); and Sabrina Alday (Arts and Diplomacy Programs Lead, Asialink)

The UMSU Art Prize will be announced at the opening event on Friday 18 September, and the People’s Choice Award will be announced on the final day of the exhibition, Friday 9 October. 

Please note, the Award is non-acquisitive. 

UMSU ART PRIZE SELECTION CRITERIA 

The following criteria will be used to assess submissions by the shortlisting panel and guest judges: 

• Artistic Merit: The originality, creativity and technical skill demonstrated in conveying conceptual ideas. 

• Engagement: The effectiveness of the artwork in connecting with a broad audience. 

• Student Powered: The perspective of a student is one that is informed, curious, and analytical. It is important to see these qualities emerge from submitted work, to demonstrate the strength of the student voice. 

UMSU ART PRIZE SHORTLISTING 

All submitted artworks will be reviewed by the UMSU Arts and Culture Selection Panel between 3 and 14 August 2026. 

This shortlisting process is in place to manage submissions effectively, check eligibility, assess the viability of proposed works, and maintain the integrity of the exhibition and award. 

Only artworks selected through this process will be showcased in the UMSU Art Prize exhibition at the George Paton Gallery and be eligible for an award. 

UMSU ART AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS