Information for Artists

Awards

  • Open Judges Award – $2,500
    • Runner-up – $1,500
  • People’s Choice Award – $1,000
    • Runner-up – $500
  • Youth Award
    • 5–11 years – $200
    • 12–17 years – $800
  • School Award – $500
  • Spot Award: Best work celebrating the Porongurups – $500
  • Spot Award: Best school/youth work highlighting native wildlife conservation – $500

The two special Spot Awards are presented in recognition of 100 years of Porongurup National Park, supported by the Porongurup Community Association and Healing Hands Wildlife Care. Read more here. 

Need Inspiration?

See the 2025 award winners and sculptures from previous years for creative inspiration.

Overall Winner + People's Choice Winner: #66. "Small is Beautiful" by Kevin Judd from Porongurup
People's Choice Award - 4th Place: #65. 'Mmmarri' by Larry Sawyer
Open Judges Award Highly Commended: #54. 'Threads of Confinement' by Magali Oliver
People's Choice Award - 3rd Place: #9. 'George the Karda' by South Stirlings Primary School
Open Judges Award Highly Commended: #1. 'Porongurup Primate Portrait' by Jane Forward
Open Judges Award Highly Commended: #39. 'Squawking Heads' by Sue and George Corke
Winner Senior Youth Award (12-18 year olds): #8. 'Devolution of our Existence' by Lilli Barndon
Winner Junior Youth Award (under 11 years old): #30. 'The Land of Lost Things' by Dempsey Hunter
Winner School Prize: #21. 'Harmony Tiles' by Parkland Primary School
People's Choice Award - Runner Up: #55. 'Sea Shepherd' by Mitchell James Thompson
Open Judges Award - Runner Up: #31. 'Pod' by Dave Taylor

2026 Announcements for Artists

Two Special Spot Awards for the 100-Year Celebration: PCA Celebrating the Porongurups Award & HHWC Young Artist Wildlife Award​

1) PCA Celebrating the Porongurups Award – $500

The Porongurup Community Association (PCA) is proud to present a special Spot Award to celebrate 100 years of the Porongurup National Park. This award recognises artwork that captures the beauty, spirit, and uniqueness of the Porongurup Range.

Get creative and let your sculpture or artwork showcase what makes the Porongurups truly special – whether it’s the wildlife, the people, the community, the sunrises and sunsets, the dark starry nights, the stunning mountain range, or the national park itself. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what makes the Porongurups special. Be part of this milestone celebration and take home this exciting award!

2) HHWC Young Artist Wildlife Award – $500

This year is extra special! To mark 100 years of Porongurup National Park, Healing Hands Wildlife Care (HHWC) is partnering with Art in the Porongurup to inspire young people across the region to celebrate native wildlife through sculpture.

The award recognises sculptures by individual youth or school groups that explore:

  • Native wildlife and their habitats
  • Conservation and protection of species
  • Human–wildlife coexistence

  • Threats to wildlife and creative solutions

The HHWC Young Artist Wildlife Award encourages creativity, builds awareness of conservation, connects young artists with the community and local wildlife carers, and recognises youth exploring environmental themes.

Get inspired! Create a sculpture that celebrates wildlife, shares your conservation message, and be in the running for this exciting milestone-year award.

Calling all established and emerging artists: It’s time to bring your sculptures to life! ​

Art in the Porongurup welcomes artists of all backgrounds, established and emerging alike.  Anyone can enter Art in the Porongurup 2026—as long as you can meet the terms & conditions on the entry form, deliver your sculpture on time, and handle your own setup and pack-down. There are no restrictions on media; your work simply needs to withstand the elements and be environmentally safe, whether it’s made from recycled materials, steel, wood, plastic, ceramic, brick, or any combination you choose. The theme is completely open to encourage creativity and diversity, and artists may submit up to three entries. Sculptures must be three-dimensional in some form to qualify, and all participants are encouraged to carefully review the full terms & conditions on the entry form before submitting their work.

Exciting prizes will be awarded! Prize amounts for each category and additional awards will be finalised as more sponsors come on board – and we’re already at $7,000…and counting!

  • Open Judges Award – $2,500
    • Runner-up – $1,500
  • People’s Choice Award – $1,000
    • Runner-up – $500
  • Youth Award
    • 5–11 years – $200
    • 12–17 years – $800
  • School Award – $500
  • Spot Award: Best work celebrating the Porongurups – $500
  • Spot Award: Best school/youth work highlighting native wildlife conservation – $500

The two special Spot Awards are presented in recognition of 100 years of Porongurup National Park, supported by the Porongurup Community Association and Healing Hands Wildlife Care.

Meet our distinguished judges for Art in the Porongurup 2026​

Wayne Lim

Wayne Lim is a documentary filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist from Singapore, based in Perth. Grounded in a search for self and home, his practice brings together a variety of methods to reconstruct memories via moving-image works.

Ronelle de Klerk

I am a hobby artist. My journey has taken me from South Africa, where I was born, to Australia, which is now my home. I have been making pictures since I could hold a pencil. After high school I studied a Bachelor of Science degree and have been working as an Optometrist since. In between work and raising a family I have kept my interest in making art alive, falling in love with oil painting along the way. Mostly self-taught, I continued my explorations until Albany Summer School expanded my knowledge of oils and introduced pastels. Keen to keep learning, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts at Curtin University. My studies have introduced me to new ideas about art, art history, art movements, art media and various techniques, including sculpture.

Key to my art practice is the desire to reduce waste. I recycle and up-cycle as much as possible and source my supports for painting and photo transfer from second-hand shops and found materials. This way I give discarded items a new purpose and meaning. We are privileged to inhabit a beautiful world. As nature shapes our history, we respectfully explore, celebrate and nurture this relationship.

Many thanks to our 2026 Sponsors!

We’re delighted to announce that all sponsors for Art in the Porongurup 2026 have now been confirmed. This event would not be possible without their generous support, and we are incredibly grateful for their contribution to keeping this much-loved event running year after year.

Please support the businesses and individuals who support our community.

Top-Tier Sponsors
Bendigo Bank
Shire of Plantagenet
Mount Barker Co-op
Porongurup Inn, Shop & Tearooms
Friends of the Porongurup Range
Scrubby Creek

Mid-Tier Sponsors
Lothlorien Studio
Corkescrew Gallery
Karribank
Castle Rock Estate
Annette McGready
Healing Hands Wildlife Care

Base-Tier Sponsors
Bolganup Homestead
The Sleeping Lady
Duke’s Vineyard
Lavender Bee
Kelly & Judy O’Neill

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers, the Porongurup Community Association (PCA), and the Art in the Porongurup subcommittee. Your countless hours of behind-the-scenes work and dedication are what make this event possible every year.

Artists FAQ – Art in the Porongurup 2026

1. Who can enter?
Anyone! While we promote this as a Great Southern event, as long as you can meet the entry deadlines and terms & conditions, and are able to install and pack down your sculpture, all artists are welcome.

2. Are there any specific media I can use?
No specific media is required. Your sculpture just needs to withstand wind, rain, and sun and be safe for the environment. Recycled materials are encouraged! Steel, wood, plastic, ceramic, brick, or multimedia combinations are all fine. Small, loose decorations such as sparklers or streamers are not allowed.

3. Is there a theme?
The theme is completely open. We love seeing diverse ideas — some artists prefer direction, some prefer freedom.

If you’d like a little direction, there are two new spot prizes for 2026. One is an all-ages spot prize for artwork that celebrates the Porongurups, and the other is a youth or school group spot prize for artwork that celebrates native wildlife conservation. These are optional points of inspiration only — all creative interpretations are welcome.

4. What are the prize categories and ages?

  • Open Judges Award & Runner-up – all ages
  • People’s Choice Award & Runner-up – all ages
  • Senior Youth Award – ages 12–17
  • Junior Youth Award – ages 5–11
  • School Award – groups of three or more, under 18

Spotlight Prizes for 2026:

  • Best Work Celebrating the Porongurups – all ages
  • Best School or Youth Work Highlighting Native Wildlife Conservation – under 18

5. Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes. Each artist or group may submit up to three entries. Entries can be submitted in the following ways:

  • One single artwork as one entry
  • One entry made up of multiple pieces that share a cohesive theme and are intended to be displayed together. If an entry includes multiple pieces and individual works are for sale, each piece must be clearly identifiable (for example, with a coloured sticker or label) so it can be easily distinguished for purchase enquiries at the welcome desk.
  • Up to three separate entries, which are not related to one another

6. How do you define a sculpture?
Entry must be sculptural, broadly defined as a 3-dimensional work. It should have depth and presence to be displayed outdoors.

7. Can I submit previous prize-winning work?
No. Entries must be original and not previously awarded in any competition.

8. Are there legal or copyright considerations?
Yes. Artists are responsible for ensuring their work does not involve libel, defamation, or copyright infringement.

9. Who is responsible for installation?
Artists are responsible for installing their works. You may request to inspect the site or receive assistance from the coordinator. Installations should respect the natural environment. Set-up times: 9 am – 4:30 pm, Thursday 2 April 2026 (unless prior arrangement).

10. Is insurance provided?
No. Artists are responsible for insuring their works at all times, including during transport, installation, display, and de-installation. The Porongurup Community Association is not responsible for any damage.

11. Can I display personal logos or branding?
No. Personal logos, sponsors, or commercial branding should not appear on the sculpture. They may be left at the entry desk for display.

12. Can my work be for sale?
Yes, with a 20% commission payable to the Porongurup Community Association. Include the sale price on your entry form and mark your work For Sale or Not For Sale. POA (Price on Application) is not accepted.

13. When can artworks be collected?
After the awards presentation on Saturday 11 April 2026, works may be collected. If you cannot collect your work, please make written arrangements for someone else to do so. Artworks left after 1 pm will not be the responsibility of the organisers.

14. When does public voting close?
Public votes close at 4:30 pm, Friday 10 April 2026.

15. When and where are awards presented?
Awards are presented at midday, Saturday 11 April 2026, at Porongurup Hall, followed by refreshments. Artists, family, and friends are welcome.

16. Can I contact the judges about my work?
No. The Judging Panel’s decision is final. Lobbying the judges will result in instant disqualification.

17. Can I sell indoor craft and art pieces in the Hall Bazaar and enter them into the sculpture competition?
No, indoor craft and art pieces sold in the Hall Bazaar are not eligible for the sculpture competition. If you’d like to participate in the Hall Bazaar, please contact Fiona Glen from the Porongurup Craft Group at fionajglen@gmail.com.

18. Where can I find the full terms and conditions?
We strongly recommend reviewing the full Terms & Conditions on the entry form before submitting.

Spread The Word About This Great Community Event

We really appreciate you supporting local artists and letting others know about the event!

Like and tag us on Facebook and Instagram: @ArtinthePorongurup

Contact Us

If you would like to support this event and become a sponsor—or if you have any questions—you can email us at:

artintheporongurup6324@gmail.com

Our 2026 event committee is made up entirely of volunteers who generously give their time to make this event possible. Thank you to Event Coordinator Sayah Drummond, Treasurer Fiona Glen, Secretary Kaysanne Knuckey, and committee members Karen Brown, Pauline Cobain, Julia Meyer, Judy O’Neil, Amanda Brown, Deb Pleysier, Karen Partridge, Jo Potts, and Taylah Nowers.

A huge thank you to our 2026 top-tier sponsors