Mission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition (2026)

HomeMission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition (2026)

The Mission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition, sponsored by Community Bank Mission Beach, is our annual open judged art exhibition with prizes awarded across various categories.

Since opening its doors to the community in August 2011, Mission Arts has showcased the work of local and regional artists in an annual awards exhibition. Prized awards, made possible through corporate sponsorships and contributions by local businesses and individuals, are extended to artists in various categories.

This year, artists will compete for prizes totalling $4650, with all entrants also eligible for the Judge's Choice, People's Choice, and Display Team Awards. Entrants (subject to certain award criteria) will also be eligible for the Sue & Bill Shannon Cassowary Coast Artist Award, the FNQ Tropical Lifestyle Award and the Emerging Artist Award. All award prizes are generously sponsored by area individuals and businesses. We are incredibly grateful for their support.

Our major event sponsor, Community Bank Mission Beach , will officially open the Mission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition on Friday, 14 August at 6pm. Opening Night is a ticketed event and advance bookings are required. Click for tickets to Opening Night.

The Mission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition will be on display from 14 August – 22 September at Mission Arts and can be viewed daily during Gallery Open Hours (10am-2pm).

Following the Awards Presentation on Opening Night (14 August), images can also be viewed and purchased online via our Online Exhibition Catalogue.

The Mission Arts Anniversary Awards Exhibition will conclude with the announcement of the People’s Choice Award on 23 September.

award categories

3D Award ($500)
Sponsored by Tully Sugar

3D Highly Commended Award ($150)
Sponsored by Tropical Property

2D Award ($500)
Sponsored by Dunk Island Group

2D Highly Commended Award ($150)
Sponsored by Cr Trudy Tschui

Ceramics Award ($500)
Sponsored by Mission Arts Pottery & The Clay Shed*

Ceramics Highly Commended Award ($150)
Sponsored by Wild Things & The Clay Shed*

Youth (Ages 13-18) Award ($150)
Sponsored by Art Print Frame*

Youth (Ages 5-12) Award ($150)
Sponsored by The Rainforest School

in addition to the above category-specific awards,
all entrants (subject to certain award criteria)
will be eligible for the following awards:

Judges' Choice Award ($1000)
Sponsored by Rotary Club of Mission Beach

Sue & Bill Shannon Cassowary Coast Artist Award ($400)
Sponsored by Sue & Bill Shannon
for best artwork in any medium created by an artist who resides in the Cassowary Coast

FNQ Tropical Lifestyle Award ($400)
Sponsored by Bernard Jungle Trader
for artwork in any medium showcasing the best interpretation or representation of Far North Queensland tropical lifestyle

People's Choice Award ($350)
Sponsored by Shane Knuth, MP for Hill

Emerging Artist Award ($150)
Sponsored by Ross Mangano Solicitors
for best artwork in any medium showcasing the talents of an Emerging Artist**

Display Team Award ($100)
Sponsored by Ross & Margaret Rapsey

* This prize will be a voucher or merchandise to the value listed for goods as specified from the sponsor
**Emerging Artist is defined as an artist who has been working at their arts practice for less than 5 years and has not held a solo exhibition or won a major art award.

key dates

Entries Close
Friday, 31 July (2pm)

Artwork Delivery to Mission Arts
Saturday, 8 August (10am-2pm) OR
Tuesday, 11 August (10am-2pm)

Exhibition Opening Night & Awards Presentation
Friday, 14 August (6pm)

Judges' Commentary & Feedback Session
Saturday, 15 August (10am)

Announcement of People's Choice Award Winner
Wednesday, 23 September

Artwork Collection
Wednesday, 23 September - Friday, 25 September (10am-2pm)

exhibition sponsor

award sponsors

Mission Arts extends sincere thanks to the above individuals and businesses whose generous support and sponsorship makes this exhibition possible.