Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award 2026
Deakin University
Funding
$3,000 - $15,000 AUD
Opens
6 April 2026
Deadline
5 June 2026
Location
Melbourne, AUS
Entry Fee
Free
About
Annual acquisitive sculpture prize open to Australian artists, with finalists exhibited at Deakin University Art Gallery in Melbourne.
The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award is an annual prize celebrating contemporary sculpture from artists across Australia. Established in 2009 and organised by the Art Collection and Galleries Unit at Deakin University, it has grown into one of the country's most significant small sculpture competitions — receiving 735 submissions in 2025 alone.
Each year, a rotating judging panel shortlists around 40 entries as finalists. From these, the panel selects an Acquisitive First Prize winner ($15,000), with the winning work entering the permanent Deakin University Art Collection. A Highly Commended prize ($3,000, supported by UniSuper) and a People's Choice Award ($3,000, voted on by exhibition visitors) are also awarded.
2026 sees the introduction of an inaugural Emerging Sculptors Award ($5,000, non-acquisitive), making this an exciting year to enter regardless of where you are in your career.
Finalists' works are exhibited at the Deakin University Art Gallery on the Melbourne Burwood campus from 24 August to 9 October 2026 — a 6–8 week exhibition open to the public.
Key dates:
- Entries open: Monday 6 April 2026
- Entries close: Midnight AEST, Friday 5 June 2026
- Artists notified: Friday 17 July 2026
- Exhibition: 24 August – 9 October 2026