ACAR Art Prize
澳中艺术奖
A Platform for Artistic Excellence and Cultural Exchange
The ACAR Art Prize is a major contemporary art prize designed to support artistic practice while fostering cultural dialogue between Australia and China.
Bringing together established and emerging artists from both countries, the Prize provides a platform for the presentation of new work within a shared thematic framework.
Each edition of the ACAR Art Prize invites artists to respond to a central theme. The inaugural theme, Landscape, is interpreted expansively. This approach encourages diverse perspectives and cross-cultural interpretation.
Finalists are selected by an international panel and represent a broad range of disciplines and approaches.
Exhibition Details
Finalists works are displayed in an exhibition at:
ACAR Arts Centre
62 Atchison Street, St Leonards
Exhibition Dates: Stay tuned for 2027
$100,000 Acquisitive Major Prize
Three supplementary awards:
Emerging Artist (Under 30)
Digital Art
People’s Choice
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The prize celebrates landscape in its broadest interpretation – encompassing natural environments, built spaces, urban landscapes, and conceptual interpretations of place. We encourage artists to explore how their experience of each others’ culture influences their understanding and representation of landscape.
By reimagining the landscape — in all its meanings — the ACAR Art Prize provides a platform for artists to share their vision, showcase their talent, and gain recognition on both a national and international stage.
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The ACAR Art Prize offers four awards:
ACAR Art Prize (acquisitive)— AUD $100,000
Super Nova Award — AUD $5,000 (artists under 30) supported by BlackDiamondz
Digital Art Award — AUD $5,000 supported by BlackDiamondz
People’s Choice Award — AUD $5,000 supported by Stephen Fitzpatrick and Beatrice Rodriguez
Winners will be chosen from the finalist exhibition in Sydney by an esteemed judging panel. The People’s Choice Award ensures the public’s voice plays an important role in the recognition of artistic talent.
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Australian nationals who have spent time in China, or whose work demonstrates the influence of Chinese culture
Chinese nationals with a demonstrable connection to Australia
Artists may apply as individuals or as collectives
The judging process includes online finalist selection followed by in-person evaluation of finalist works.
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All finalists will be showcased in the ACAR Art Prize Exhibition in Sydney, offering valuable exposure to collectors, critics, and the public while celebrating the diversity of artistic practice across Australia and China. The winning work will be acquired into the ACAR permanent collection, joining a growing body of significant works and ensuring the artist’s vision becomes part of a lasting cultural legacy shared with audiences for years to come.