The competition is open to artists of all skill levels and backgrounds, with categories for:
$3000 - Overall Winner (General Category)
Open to all artists of any age or background. Submissions in this category will be judged on overall artistic merit, creativity, and relevance to the theme.
$1500 - First Nations Artist
Open to artists who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Entrants must demonstrate connection to their community and cultural heritage through their artwork.
$1500 - Emerging Artist
Open to artists at the beginning stages of their career, defined as those who have been practicing professionally for less than 5 years or have not yet had a major solo exhibition. Emerging artists of any age or background may enter.
$1500 - Artist Living with a Disability
Open to artists who identify as living with any form of disability (physical, intellectual, sensory, or psychosocial). This category celebrates artistic excellence and inclusion.
$750 – People’s Choice
All entries will be showcased in an online digital gallery. This category is open to public voting, and the winner will be determined by the highest number of public votes received during the voting period. No separate entry is required—every submission is automatically eligible.
$500 - Primary School Student
Open to currently enrolled students in primary/elementary school (typically ages 5–12). Artwork should be the student’s own original work.
$500 - Secondary School Student
Open to currently enrolled students in secondary/high school (typically ages 13–18). Artwork should be the student’s own original work.
Please note:
- Artists must submit original works that align with the competition theme.
- Artworks previously submitted and selected as finalists in any earlier iterations of the PCA Art Prize are not eligible.
