The Kingborough Art Prize winners for 2026 were officially unveiled at the Exhibition Opening Event held on Friday, 18 September, at the Kingborough Community Hub in Kingston. The exhibition, which has drawn significant community interest, concludes today, Sunday, 27 September.

Acting Mayor Christian Street announced the prize recipients, highlighting the event’s role in showcasing the “incredible depth of artistic talent within our community and across Tasmania.” Cr Street congratulated all winners and entrants, noting that this year’s exhibition was the largest to date, featuring over 200 artworks from adult artists and 30 from youth. He further commented on the “exceptional” quality and diversity of the works, reflecting the important role arts and creativity play in enriching the community.

The Kingborough Art Prize is a collaborative effort between Kingborough Council and the Lions Club of Kingborough. Hester van Neikerk from the Lions Club of Kingborough noted that this partnership has significantly grown the prize’s reputation and profile, making it a highlight for artists and art lovers across the state.

This year saw an increase in artwork sales, with more than 40 pieces finding new homes, including 11 works by young artists.

The major award winners for the 2026 Kingborough Art Prize include:

  • Overall Best Work: Roger Murphy was awarded the $1,500 prize for his watercolour piece, “Sea Eagle Browns River.”
  • Best in Painting: Rick Crossland received $600 for his oil painting, “Summer Afternoon, Park Beach.”
  • Best 3D Work: Rosemary Adler took home $600 for her wool creation, “In Safe Hands.”
  • Best Work on Paper: Sally James was recognised with $600 for her linocut in oil, “Stormy Skies 6/7, Kingston Beach.”

Sally James, the winner of the Best Work on Paper award, expressed her honour at being recognised. She conveyed her impression of the “high standard of artwork on display this year” and her pride in exhibiting alongside other talented artists, also commending the exhibition’s beautiful curation.

The exhibition, held at the Kingborough Community Hub at 7 Goshawk Way, Kingston, opened to the public on Thursday, 17 September, with the official opening event and announcement of winners taking place the following evening. The community was encouraged by Acting Mayor Street to visit the exhibition before its close today to experience the remarkable local talent on display.

For more details on the 2026 Kingborough Art Prize and its winners, readers can visit the Kingborough Council website.