There’s more to art than just getting to know the world’s biggest names. Held for the fifth time in 2024, the Unearthed Art Prize focuses on finding and celebrating the most exciting up-and-coming artists from across Australia. By giving emerging artists the chance to join Art to Art’s wonderfully talented stables to take their creative careers to new heights, we’re helping the country’s top talent achieve the recognition and longevity they deserve.
For the Unearthed Art Prize, wide-ranging entrants are whittled down to 26 finalists, with shortlisted works exhibited at the main event. Free to enter and open to artists across the full spectrum of creative mediums, including paintings, photography, lithographs and textiles, the Unearthed Art Prize is a stellar opportunity for artists to develop their careers and raise their profiles. Here, we delve into everything you need to know about entering the Unearthed Art Prize 2024.
Why enter the Unearthed Art Prize?
It’s almost impossible to achieve success as an artist if you don’t have the profile to match. By entering the Unearthed Art Prize, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with a like-minded audience of art lovers and collectors looking to get to know the next generation of talent. Naturally, this leads to greater exposure for your work and the chance to increase sales and commissions.
Taking part in the Unearthed Art Prize is a great way to see your work promoted across numerous platforms. Through social media posts, website articles, online newsletters and the exhibition itself, you’re bound to attract fascinated artists and buyers keen to follow your journey as a creative, helping to develop your career and increase the visibility of your art.
Finally, the Unearthed Art Prize is an exciting opportunity to network with other professional artists and industry figures. With many of Australia’s top up-and-coming artists entering the prize, it presents endless openings to build fruitful relationships, where you gain support from your fellow creatives, explore potential collaborations and discover ways to grow your practices together.
Unearthed Art Prize Entry Criteria
Entering the Unearthed Art Prize 2024 is simple. You must be living in Australia and not be represented by a current Victoria-based physical gallery. However, you can have online representation. There are no restrictions regarding age, training or nationality. Plus, the Unearthed Art Prize is open to artists no matter your previous experience.
Submitting up to two artworks, you can explore any subject, style or medium. However, the work must be 61 x 51 cm, (24" x 20") in either landscape or portrait orientation at a standard canvas depth of 4 cm. You can submit original artwork on stretched canvas, but the framing cost may vary if selected as a shortlisted finalist. Finally, it must be signed (front or back) while dated and titled on the back.
Get to Know 2023’s Winners
Over the years, some truly incredible artists have won the Unearthed Art Prize. In 2023, Rita Stella took home the major prize with her work “Appreciation” – an acrylic on canvas painting. A former dentist, Stella only began painting more seriously during the lockdowns of 2021.
Tasmania-based artist Amy Compton received the People’s Choice Award with her artwork, “Soft Summer.” Drawing inspiration from her recent move to the Apple Isle, her mixed media and acrylic on canvas piece captures the diverse, harmonious landscape surrounding her home.
Browse Beautiful Artwork Today
To view incredible artwork from many of Australia’s top emerging and established artists, head to Art to Art’s Melbourne-based gallery at 130 Bulleen Road, Balwyn North. Plus, you can shop our collection online before deciding on the perfect piece for your home. Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more.