In 2024, contemporary artist Todd Fuller took out the major award in the prestigious Sunshine Coast National Art Prize for his captivating motion animation work, ‘No use crying over ripped lace’.

Fuller was selected from a pool of 40 exceptional finalists from across the nation, receiving $25,000 and making headlines with the first digital work to ever win the region’s flagship art award.

One year on and the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2025 is again calling for entries from across Australia, as Sunshine Coast Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery searches for the next major winner.

Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law emphasised the significance of the prestigious art prize.

“This award celebrates outstanding contemporary 2D and new media arts practice from across the nation,” Cr Law said.

"The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is more than an award. It is a celebration of contemporary Australian art and our diverse array of talented artists.

“This acquisitive prize helps to further position the region as a hub for contemporary art and artists. It’s a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community and supporting the cultural legacy of our region."

2024 SCNAP exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery_Pat Want

Who Can Apply

The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is open to all professional artists living in Australia.

Artists working in various 2D mediums, including traditional oils, drawings, prints, photographs and assemblages, as well as digital compositions and other new media, are encouraged to apply.

Key Dates

Entries Open: Friday, February 14, 2025
Entries Close: 11.59 pm AEST, Sunday, May 11, 2025
Finalists Notified: By Friday, June 6, 2025
Exhibition Dates: Friday, August 15, 2025 to Sunday, October 12, 2025
Winners Announced: Thursday, September 25, 2025

Entry Details

Artists can submit their entries online through the Caloundra Regional Gallery website. Each submission must include high-resolution images of the artwork, an artist statement and a completed entry form. A non-refundable entry fee of $45 AUD applies.

Art prize categories and sponsors

an acquisitive major prize of $25,000 cash sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council
a non-acquisitive Highly Commended prize of $5,000 sponsored by the De Deyne family
a non-acquisitive People’s Choice prize of $2,500 sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
a Sunshine Coast Art Prize Residency sponsored by Caloundra Regional Gallery and Montville Country Cabins.

Freight costs of the 40 finalist works to and from the exhibition are covered by the Caloundra Regional Gallery and supported by IAS Fine Art Logistics.

More details

For more details, including terms and conditions of entry, visit the Caloundra Regional Gallery website

A gallery of previous Sunshine Coast Art Prize winners is available on the gallery website.

Outside of Caloundra Regional Gallery Image: BenVosProductions

Caloundra Regional Gallery

Owned and operated by Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Regional Gallery is free to enter. The gallery is located 22 Omrah Avenue and is open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am - 2pm.