2026 King's Birthday Honours: Arts Figures Recognized
In Australia, the 2026 King's Birthday Honours list recognized 949 individuals, featuring several notable figures from the arts sector. Elisabeth Calvert-Jones received the prestigious Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for her contributions to philanthropy and support for the arts. Novelist Gerald Murnane was honored as an Officer of the Order (AO) for his literary achievements. Additionally, Simon Tedeschi, a concert pianist, visual artist Sally Smart, and arts advocate David Templeman were appointed Members of the Order (AM). Music educator Frances Underwood was acknowledged as well. Media personalities Rove McManus (AM) and Fran Kelly (AO) were celebrated, alongside a posthumous AM awarded to broadcaster James Valentine.
Key facts
- 949 Australians recognized in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours
- Elisabeth Calvert-Jones awarded Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for philanthropy and arts
- Gerald Murnane made Officer of the Order (AO) for literature
- Simon Tedeschi appointed Member of the Order (AM) for music
- Sally Smart named Member of the Order (AM) for visual arts
- David Templeman appointed Member of the Order (AM) for arts and community
- Frances Underwood named Member of the Order (AM) for music education
- Rove McManus and Fran Kelly also recognized
Entities
Artists
- Elisabeth Calvert-Jones
- Gerald Murnane
- Simon Tedeschi
- Sally Smart
- David Templeman
- Frances Underwood
- Rove McManus
- Fran Kelly
- James Valentine
Institutions
- Tapestry Foundation of Australia
- National Portrait Gallery
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- The Australian Ballet
- Rock Art Australia
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Barking Gecko Arts
- National Gallery of Australia
- American Academy in Rome
- City of Hobart Eisteddfod Society
- Tasmanian Music Teachers Association
- The Friends School
- ABC
- ArtsHub
- ScreenHub
Locations
- Victoria
- Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Hobart
- Rome
- Italy