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June 19, 2026

Entries now open for biennial Border Art Prize

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2018 Winner Border Art Prize, Trinity Leonard, Hannah 2018 oil on canvas. Image courtesy the artist.

The Border Art Prize is a biennial exhibition which supports the endeavours of artists living and working in the border region. Artists from the Tweed Shire, Ballina, Byron and Kyogle Shires, as well as Lismore City and Gold Coast City Council areas are eligible to enter.

The Prize gives artists the chance to exhibit their work at both Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and Gallery DownTown in Murwillumbah CBD.

The 2020 Border Art Prize is now open for entries and artists have until 5pm on Sunday 5 April, 2020, to get their entries in for this popular prize. The exhibition will run from Friday 8 May to Sunday 5 July 2020.

The exhibition is open to all media and subject matter and attracts a wide variety of styles from both well-known and emerging artists.

Gallery Director Susi Muddiman OAM says she expects another impressive turnout for the 2020 prize.

‘In 2018 we saw first-hand the benefits of extending the Border Art Prize into the M|Arts Precinct in Murwillumbah’s CBD, with more than 400 artworks displayed and significant numbers visiting both venues,’ she said.

‘It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity of practices in the region with entries including painting, photography, textiles, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Having two venues extends the reach and the Gallery’s ability to display more artworks.’

The $3,000 first prize is funded by Tweed Shire Council, with the Friends of Tweed Regional Gallery Inc. funding the second prize of $1,500 and third prize of $500.

Previous winners have included Trinity Leonard (2018), Robyn Sweaney (2016) and Lae Oldmeadow (2014).

Prize Coordinator Meredith Cusack said she was hoping for an even greater response from artists in 2020.

‘This region is known for how much we value our artists. The prize is a major event in the arts calendar and it’s an important way to recognise the talent right across the region,’ Ms Cusack said.

Entries for the Border Art Prize close at 5pm, Sunday 5 April 2020. See https://artgallery.tweed.nsw.gov.au/PrizesAndAwards for details of entry.



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