Deakin University's Free Small Sculpture Award Opens for 2026 with Increased Prize Pool

Deakin University's Contemporary Small Sculpture Award, now in its 17th year, is accepting entries for its 2026 edition with no fee. The national competition offers a total prize pool of $26,000, including a new $5,000 Emerging Sculptors Award. A major $15,000 acquisitive First Prize, supported by Michael and Emily Tong, adds the winning work to the Deakin University Art Collection. Additional awards include a $3,000 Highly Commended prize backed by UniSuper and a $3,000 People's Choice Award. Submissions are open to artists across Australia and must be completed online. Works cannot exceed 70 centimeters in any dimension or weigh more than 30 kilograms. The 2025 edition received 735 entries, with over 40 finalists exhibited at the Deakin University Art Gallery on the Burwood Campus. Senior Manager Leanne Willis emphasizes the award's deliberate accessibility, noting its openness to diverse materials and artists at all career stages. Finalists will be notified by July 17, 2026, with an exhibition running from August 24 to October 9, 2026. The deadline for entries is June 5, 2026.