This is an open exhibition for all artists residing in Queensland.
In partnership with Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and The Star Brisbane, The Royal Queensland Art Society Brisbane Branch is pleased to present the 2026 Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Art Prize. Following on from the success of this exhibition in 2025 and with an expanded list of eligible mediums, we can’t wait to see what our local artists create to celebrate our beautiful city.
Artists are asked to submit artworks that reflect what makes Brisbane and its surrounding attractions unique. Tell us the story of what you love about Brisbane and your connection to it through your art. All entries must be accompanied by a statement further describing the connection of the artwork to the Greater Brisbane area. For full Conditions of Entry please refer to the tab below.
FINALIST EXHIBITION & EVENTS
The finalist exhibition will open at Petrie Terrace Gallery on Saturday 15th August, and will be on display until Sunday 13th September.
Winners will be announced at an Awards Night at The Star Event Centre at Queen’s Wharf on Tuesday 11th August.
QUEEN’S WHARF BRISBANE SHOWCASE
A shortlisted selection of the works, including the winners, will be on display at The Star Brisbane Event Centre from Wednesday 16th September until Sunday 25th October.
Please note that the Event Centre is not open to the public for viewing the artworks, however a date for a tour of the Showcase will be announced closer to the time.
Click on the buttons below to view prizes, event dates, entry fees and terms and conditions:
| Event Activity | Date | |
| 1 | Entry forms submitted to RQAS by: | Saturday 6th June 2026 3:30pm |
| 2 | Bring in day-Artwork to be delivered to RQAS: | Saturday, 1st of August between 10am - 12pm |
| 3 | Awards Night at The Star Brisbane: | Tuesday 11th August |
| 4 | Exhibition Opens to Public: | Saturday, 15th of August 2025 10:00am |
| 5 | Exhibition closes: | Sunday, 13th of September 2025 3:30pm |
| 6 | QWBAP Showcase opens | Wednesday 16th September 10:00am - The Star Event Centre |
| 7 | Bump out Day - pickup your work from Petrie Terrace Gallery: For works not selected in showcase | Monday, 14th September between 10:00am - 12:00pm |
| 8 | QWBAP Showcase closes | Sunday 25th October |
| 10 | QWBAP Showcase Bump out day - pick up your work from Petrie Terrace Gallery | Monday 26th October |
NOTE: You will be advised via email if your artwork has been shortlisted for the Showcase at Queen’s Wharf, and advised which bump out date to pick up your work is relevant for you.
| Prizes | Amount | |
| 1 | First Prize | $20,000 |
| 2 | Highly Commended | $5,000 |
| 3 | Highly Commended | $5,000 |
| Entry Fee | Description |
| $50 | Per Artwork |
When entering artwork into RQAS exhibitions, the artworks need to be presented and finished in a professional manner. This helps the gallery to create a cohesive exhibition with a professional look, as well as ensuring the hanging process is easy and safe for our staff and volunteers.
PLEASE REFER TO THE EXHIBITION TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR MINIMUM FRAMING REQUIREMENTS.
Artworks must be clean, dry and professionally finished before being delivered to the gallery. This includes cleaning the glass and wiping off any dust that may have accumulated while in storage, making sure the matt is not marked and frame is not damaged
To download guidelines and view images please click here
Painted Edges & Framed Works
If works on stretched canvas are not framed the edges of the canvas must be cleanly finished. Artists may choose to paint the edge a single colour such as grey or a colour that complements the artwork, see Figure 1, or you may complete the artwork in the “round” as in Figure 2. In the “round” means to extend the painting around the edge of the canvas. Essentially, the edges should not have random marks, such as fingerprints or paint drips.
D Rings
Framed artworks and works on canvas (or otherwise mounted) must be ready to hang on the wall using medium or large sized “D” rings placed approximately 5-10cm from the top of the frame. Attach hooks facing upwards and on the outside of the canvas frame, as pictured in Figure 3. Wire or string is not required. However, if you would like to add wire or string, please see Figure 3. As you can see the wire is further down the canvas and is not attached to the top “D” ring.
Squaring Up
To determine if a rectangular or square canvas is “square” or “squared up”, measure the diagonal of the canvas/artwork, and it should be the same length both ways. Please refer to Figure 4.
Foxing & Mould
Foxing is an age-related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning and can appear as brown, yellow, or red stains on the paper or canvas. If it appears on an artwork mat, the work must be reframed with a new mat. If it appears on the canvas or paper, it must be treated and repainted, so it is not visible.
Artwork Labels
Clearly mark the artist’s name, contact details, the title of work, and price on an artwork label, to be placed on the back of the work. We need this information to easily identify your artwork before the exhibition labels (didactics) and catalogue are printed for the exhibition. Some artists choose to write this information on the back of the frame/canvas directly. You may also choose to include this on a removable/temporary label, or on a permanent label or “Certificate of Authenticity”.