Courageous & Contemporary at the Caloundra Regional Gallery
Putting art out into the world can be a vulnerable moment for any artist. Jodie Cameron discovers the forty fabulous finalists vying for the 2026 Local Contemporary Art Prize…
Long before a work is released, there is a moment of hesitation. A quiet pause where an artist weighs up whether their work is ready, whether their voice belongs in the room.
That moment – more than any final result – is where the Local Contemporary Art Prize truly begins. As the Caloundra Regional Gallery welcomes its 2026 finalists, the competition is an invitation to be seen.
It’s an opportunity that goes well beyond the prize pool, tapping into the quiet power of exposure and professional growth that comes from putting yourself and your work out there. Held annually, visitors can explore two-and three-dimensional works from emerging, mid-career and established artists from across the Sunshine Coast.
For Gallery Director, Jo Duke, she’s still pinching herself at how lucky she is to have the best job in the world – looking at art every day.
“This year we had an extraordinary calibre of local artists courageously submit their work,” Jo says. “Art prizes can be daunting, particularly for emerging artists who haven’t shown their work publicly before. But it’s a beautiful way to profile your practice, stand amongst your peers, and become a part of a collective.”
Now in its twelfth year, the prize showcases the incredible breadth of talent residing on the Sunshine Coast.
Curated from 220 entries, the forty finalists represent a vibrant cross-section of genres – from traditional portraiture, still life and landscape to drawing, digital works and watercolours.
The diversity of this year’s two-dimensional and three-dimensional submissions offers a unique window into our current world.
“The work might be something more contemporary or a textile work that creates patterns to form landscapes or shows the way we look at people within a portrait,” she explained. “It’s completely individual, which gives the exhibition such intrigue.
“It invites the audience into a private conversation with the artist.”
That conversation is often sparked by a visceral reaction. Jo described the energy of standing in front of an abstract work – the way movement and colour can drag the eye around and transport a viewer into a world that is not their own.
Art is in the eye of the beholder, and having trained as a three-dimensional ceramic artist herself, Jo understands how art can speak to people in different ways.
“From the energy of an abstract or the quietness of a landscape or to the heat of a train station or the beauty of a jellyfish, the works create spaces for people to see and experience difference,” Jo says. “One of things I love about this year’s finalists is the strength of three-dimensional art.
“There are stunning ceramics, but also intricate textile pieces, glass and jewellery. It’s a very tangible selection.”
Tasked with the difficult job of selecting the winners is influential arts leader Kerryanne Farrer. Bringing more than 30’ years’ experience, including her time as CEO of Flying Arts Alliance, Kerryanne arrives with a deeply informed appreciation and eye for excellence.
“Kerryanne’s history in creative arts means she already has a wonderful connection to our regional artists,” Jo says. “We are extremely lucky to have her expertise and help in navigating the high standard of this year’s cohort.”
Beyond the accolades, simply entering can sometimes create a mental filing cabinet for the gallery’s curatorial team.
Even those who don’t make the final forty are on the radar for future projects or spaces like the Maroochy Library Artspace.
“We can only select 40 works each year, but witnessing artists grow and watching their evolution is definitely a major perk of the job,” she says.
Winners will share in a prize pool of $17,000 from major sponsors, Sunshine Coast Council and the Friends of the Regional Gallery.
The Best in Show Acquisitive Award will take home $10,000 and the winning artwork will also be acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.
The two-and-three-dimensional winners will receive $2500. The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by the Friends and Community Bank Caloundra – Bendigo Bank with voting open until 10 May and the winner announced on 17 May. Cast your vote in the gallery or online for a chance to win a $50 gallery store voucher.
As this year’s finalists take their place on the walls, Jo is already thinking ahead to next year – encouraging those still questioning their readiness to enter.
“Artists can be the worst judge of whether a piece is resolved,” Jo laughed.
“My advice? Let someone else decide. Don’t leave it until the last minute, and ensure you submit a crisp, high-quality photo. That image is the first thing that captures the selection committee’s eye.”
Picasso once said, “Creativity takes courage” and while the prize pool of $17,000 is a significant drawcard, the real value lies in the bravery of clicking submit.
Whether you’re an artist or an art lover, the 2026 Local Contemporary Art Prize is a reminder our local talent is thriving. Pop into the gallery and vote for your favourite!
Discover more of our talented region!
