Entering its thirty-second year, the Moreton Bay Art Prize continues to reflect the changes across the region and give voice to the interests and concerns of local artists.
Works by shortlisted artists from this year’s prize will be exhibited at Pine Rivers Art Gallery until 18 July, with an awards night taking place on Saturday, 11 July.
The prize has evolved to be open exclusively to artists living in the City of Moreton Bay, or artists with traditional connections to Jinibara, Kabi Kabi, and Turrbal country. The competition has no set themes or mediums.
Leanne Kelly, City of Moreton Bay Galleries Coordinator, said, “We want to encourage artists to think and create boldly, and that culminates in an exhibition, not just an art prize.”
“Having no set themes or mediums invites diverse artistic expression, providing an opportunity for artists to enter artwork that best represents their own practice, regardless of the subject or medium.”
Art, Environment, and Community
According to Ms Kelly, there has been a rising trend in entries that speak to the changing landscape and the environmental concerns that face the region.
2025 Moreton Bay Art Prize People’s Choice Winner Fiona Elderman’s mixed media artwork titled Nocardiae Smoothies on the Beach aims to highlight the importance of sustained environmental management.
“It’s inspired by the local inter-tidal zone at Beachmere post storm surge, showing the effects of human activity, including climate change,” Ms Elderman said.
“I observed and photographed so much frothy foam that I found it soft, enticing, and also slightly sickly looking.
“I researched the foam and learned the foam is a result of a ‘bacterial smoothie’ of Nocardiae, which thrives when there is a high load of fats and grease from stormwater runoff, as well as warm waters that make the survival rate of Nocardiae increase.”
The Art Prize also provides an opportunity for local artists to have their artwork professionally displayed.
“Having your own work professionally on display enables so much connection, whether it be friends and family viewing it or meeting other artists at the opening event,” Ms Elderman said.
Winners also share a prize pool totalling $10,000, with first place taking home $5000.
Moreton Bay Art Prize 2026
- Saturday, 30 May – Saturday, 18 July (Awards night: Saturday, 11 July, 6pm-8pm)
- Pine Rivers Art Gallery
- 130-134 Gympie Road, Strathpine
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