Are you an artist, writer, or creative thinker seeking to showcase your talent on grand stages? 2025 is bursting with opportunities for creative minds across various disciplines, offering not just acclaim but also significant rewards.
From high-stakes art prizes to literary challenges, here’s your guide to some of the most compelling contests waiting for your entry:
Adelaide Perry Prize for Drawing
With a prestigious $25,000 prize, this competition is the go-to. It also introduces a second $5,000 prize celebrating arts education. Finalists can also vie for the $2,000 People’s Choice Award. **Deadline: 15 January.**
$80,000 Glover Prize 2025
Whether you’re local, interstate, or international, your unique interpretation of Tasmania could win you this lucrative prize. Think beyond the traditional landscape—challenge the very meaning of ‘Tasmania’ in your art. **Deadline: 24 January.**
SolarPunk Sculpture: Inspiring a Better Future
Calling visionaries! Create large-format sculptures embodying optimism and sustainability for the Off-Grid Living Festival. The winner takes home $3,000, but the true prize is inspiring thousands with your work. **Deadline: 30 January.**
National Photographic Portrait Prize
Enter one of Australia’s most beloved photography events, offering $30,000 in cash and $20,000 in Canon equipment. Finalists receive travel allowances and a chance to shine at the National Portrait Gallery. **Deadline: 31 January.**
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Transform Currumbin Beach into an art wonderland with your sculptures. With awards exceeding $30,000, this festival is a playground for artists daring to think differently. **Deadline: 31 January.**
A Global Stage: Homiens Art Prize
For international artists ready to captivate the world, this $37,000 non-acquisitive prize promises a cash award and an esteemed platform to showcase your work. **Deadline: 31 January.**
Portrait of Excellence: Archibald Prize 2025
With a staggering $100,000 for the best portrait, this iconic competition also offers $3,000 and $5,000 for other accolades. It’s a chance to immortalize a distinguished personality through your art. **Entries open early 2025.**
Writing Marvels: Calibre Essay Prize
Are you a wordsmith with a knack for non-fiction? Submit essays of 2,000–5,000 words to vie for a share of the $10,000 prize pool. **Deadline: 28 January.**
Poetic Brilliance: Local Word Poetry Prize
Geelong Regional Library Corporation offers $2,000 for exceptional poetry up to 75 lines. Open to emerging and established poets, this prize could be your next milestone. **Deadline: 20 January.**
From Flash to Fame: Not Quite Write Prize
Flash fiction writers, here’s your moment. Craft a 500-word story in just 60 hours based on prompts and compete for $4,000 in prizes. **Deadline: 26 January.**
Quilters Assemble: Australian Quilt Show Challenge
Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship with a chance to win part of the $37,000 prize pool. Show off your quilting skills and connect with a vibrant community. **Deadline: 20 February.**
Interior Design Excellence: Australian Interior Design Awards
From public installations to intimate spaces, this competition recognizes outstanding design across seven categories. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or an emerging talent, the stage is yours. **Deadline: 14 February.**
Dig into these opportunities on artshub.
A Canvas of Opportunities
With each competition offering not just monetary rewards but a platform to amplify your creativity, 2025 is your year to shine. Ready to seize these golden chances? Pick your passion, refine your craft, and make your mark on the world. Let your art and words do the talking.
Links to aforementioned contests here
