Paddo Sculpture Prize 2026
Paddington Art Prize
Funding
up to $10,000
Deadline
2 August 2026
Location
AUS
Entry Fee
$55
About
An inaugural $10,000 Annual National Non-acquisitive Prize for a 3D free-standing sculpture inspired by the Australian landscape.
The Paddington Art Prize for Sculpture is a major national addition to the Australian arts calendar. It invites artists to translate the "Australian Landscape"—encompassing both built environments and the natural world—into 3D free-standing forms. With a $10,000 non-acquisitive first prize, this is a high-stakes call for practitioners working in clay, wood, metal, stone, or mixed media. Notably, this prize rejects the "digital turn," explicitly barring AI-generated or 3D-printed components in favor of hand-crafted construction and material integrity. Beyond the cash awards, the inclusion of a two-week residency at Eramboo Artist Environment provides a significant platform for career development and future exhibition. Key Details The Prize: $10,000 Main Prize + $3,000 Honourable Mention + $1,000 Highly Commended. The Residency: A 2027 two-week live-in residency at Eramboo (North Sydney) + $500 toward a solo exhibition. Eligibility: Australian citizens/permanent residents (18+). Specs: Maximum 100cm (H) x 50cm (W) x 50cm (D). Weight must not exceed 10kg. Entry Fee: $55 for one work / $90 for two. Commission: 40% on all sales (all finalists' works must be for sale).