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Splash

21 January 2026 - 15 February 2026

Details

Start:
21 January 2026
End:
15 February 2026
Event Category:

RQAS is starting 2026 with a Splash!!! Our coasts and waterways are extremely valuable to us all in Southeast Queensland and this exhibition allows us to celebrate all things nautical and aquatic. Whether it be the local estuaries’, the coast, boats in a marina, or the backyard pool, make a splash with your water-themed artwork.

Artists are invited to submit artworks in their own choice of media including both 2D and 3D works.

Please see details below on how to enter, terms and conditions, and presentation guidelines.

INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS

Click on the buttons below to view prizes, event dates, entry fees and terms and conditions:

DATES

Event ActivityDate
1Entry forms submitted to RQAS by:Wednesday 14th of January 2026, 3:30pm
2Bring in day-Artwork to be delivered to RQAS:Saturday, 17th of January 2026, between 10am - 12pm
3Exhibition Opens to Public:Wednesday, 21st of January 2026, 10:00am
5Exhibition closes:Sunday, 15th of February 2026, 3:30pm
6Bump out Day - pickup your work:Monday, 16th of February 2026, between 10am - 12pm

ENTRY FEES

Entry FeeDescription
$35Per Artwork
$20Per Artwork - RQAS Brisbane Branch Members

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ENTRY
1.1. Entry fees are not refundable and non-transferrable.
Entry Fees
$35 per artwork
$20 RQAS Brisbane Branch Members
1.2. Entry forms can be completed either:
• on the RQAS website,
• emailed to: entries@rqas.com.au
• or are to be returned to Petrie Terrace Gallery at Unit 3, 162 Petrie Terrace Brisbane.
1.3. The RQAS will email you to confirm if your artwork has been selected as a finalist or not, or if we need further information about your entry. Only finalists will have their work exhibited in the Gallery.
1.4. High Resolution Image(s) of your work must be provided for your entry to be accepted. Images must be submitted as a digital jpeg or png file. Save the file as “yourname_artworktitle”.
1.5. Artists are permitted to enter a maximum of 4 works.

MEDIA
2.1. This exhibition accepts 2D and 3D works in any medium
2.2. This exhibition does not accept entries that were completed in whole or in part by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

ELIGIBILITY
3.1. Artwork must not have been a finalist in an RQAS sponsored competition in the 2 year period prior to entries closing.
3.2. Artwork must be for sale. Artists aged 17yrs or under DO NOT have to list their artwork for sale, but must notify gallery at time of entry.

SIZE:
4.1 Artworks must not exceed 1.5m in width, including frame.
4.2 All works must not weigh more than 15kgs and need to be easily and safely carried by 1 to 2 people.
4.3 May be made up of multiple panels, providing all panels still fit within the size restrictions noted above.

PERMISSIONS & COPYRIGHT:
5.1. Exhibitors agree to grant RQAS a non-exclusive, sub-licensable, worldwide, perpetual and irrevocable license to exercise copyright in your artwork for the purposes of administering, promoting and providing information about the exhibition. This includes producing photographs, catalogues and advertising for promotional purposes
5.2. Entries must be the original work of the exhibitor, and not infringe the copyright, moral rights, or other rights of any third party. Entries should also adhere to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols.
5.3. If you are submitting an artwork of a personality, the entrant must have the subject’s consent to enter the artwork in this exhibition including ensuring they understand the artwork may be displayed to the public.

PRESENTATION
6.1 The work must be suitably presented and ready to be safely displayed with the appropriate hardware (6.3), as well as being clean and dry. Damaged artworks/frames will not be able to be placed on display.
6.2 Any artwork not clean or professionally finished will not be able to be placed on display. Stretched canvas must be square. Refer to framing guidelines.
6.3 Framed artworks and works on canvas (or otherwise mounted) must be ready to hang on the wall using large “D” rings placed approximately 5cm from the top of the frame. Wire or string is not required. Refer to framing guidelines.
6.4 Your artwork must be clearly labelled on the back with your name and contact details.
6.5 Artworks will only be displayed at the absolute discretion of the RQAS Brisbane we will not display any artwork deemed unsafe, offensive, or unsuitable.
6.6 Multi-panelled artworks must include a picture of the assembled work with clear instructions for installation.
6.7 Any questions artists have during installation must be addressed to the Director of Gallery Operations or their representative.

DELIVERY, INSTALLATION & PICK-UP:
7.1 Artists will be notified by email if they are a finalist or not.
7.2 Artworks to be delivered to the Petrie Terrace Gallery on Saturday, 17th January, between 10am – 12pm. If you are not able to deliver at this time, please contact the gallery to make alternative arrangements.
7.3 Entries are accepted, displayed, and returned at the owner’s risk. Freight and insurance are also the owner’s responsibility. All care will be taken, but no responsibility accepted for loss or damage.
7.4 Artworks cannot be delivered by post. A courier can deliver your artwork at the specific delivery times above.
7.5 If you are a finalist and your artwork is not delivered within the times allowed it will not be hung in the exhibition.
7.6 Any questions artists have during installation must be addressed to the Director of gallery operations or their representative.
7.7 Artworks must be made available for the full duration of the exhibition – Wednesday 21st January – Sunday 15th February 2026, and may only be picked up when the exhibition has finished.
7.8 Pick-up of Artworks will be from Petrie Terrace Gallery on Monday 16th February 2026.
7.9 Works not collected within three months of the exhibition closing date may be disposed of at the discretion of the RQAS Brisbane Branch Committee.

SALES
8.1. Artwork must be for sale. Please allow for RQAS commission and any applicable GST when setting price. Artists aged 17yrs or under DO NOT have to list their artwork for sale, but must notify gallery at time of entry.
8.2. The gallery will charge 27.5% commission (including GST) on all sales.
8.3. Artists will be paid for any sales after the end of the exhibition OR when artworks have been paid in full.

EVENTS & PRIZES
9.1. This exhibition is not judged.
9.2. People’s Choice will be awarded at the end of the Exhibition. The winner will receive $100 and a free Membership to RQAS Brisbane Branch for 12 months.
9.3. All entrants and their guests must book into any event associated with the exhibition and purchase a ticket if they wish to attend. Attendance to the exhibition is free outside of ticketed events.

GENERAL
10.1. Should any dispute arise where no specific ruling is laid down the RQAS Brisbane Branch committee’s decision is final.

GALLERY HOURS & CONTACT
10am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed public holidays.
Phone: 07 3367 1977 Email: gallery@rqas.com.au www.rqas.com.au

Finishing and Professionalism for Artwork Entered into RQAS Exhibitions

 

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.

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”.

Online entry form coming soon!