The Mission to Seafarers
NEWCASTLE MARITIME ART PRIZE
$10,000 Total Prize Money
United by the Sea, together as one
Exhibition Opening Night
6pm, Friday 31st July 2026
Exhibition Public Viewing
1 – 9 August 2026, 10am-4pm each day
Background Image: Bleached Sea by Charlize Philips
2026 Theme
United by the Sea, together as one
Vision
We are proud to continue offering a platform that celebrates Newcastle’s deep connection with the maritime industry. This year’s theme is: United by the sea, together as one.
This reflects the heart of the mission: Seafarers from every nation, culture, and faith travel the world’s oceans, often facing long periods away from family, isolation, and demanding working conditions. The Mission’s bring people together in a place of welcome and care. By offering pastoral support, practical assistance, friendship, and a safe space ashore, the Mission reminds seafarers that they are not alone. In this way, the sea that connects the world also becomes a symbol of shared humanity, where people of many backgrounds are united in fellowship, respect, and hope.
Through this exhibition, we invite artists to explore and reflect on how the seas unite humanity.
The exhibition will be held at The Mission to Seafarers Newcastle: 96 Hannell Street, Wickham, 2293
CATEGORIES:
The Newcastle Maritime Art Prize has six categories, supporting eight awards.
Please submit your entries early as we will only be accepting a total of 200 entries for categories 1-4.
Best in Show $6,000 Acquisitive Prize
CAT 1: $2,500 Newcastle MTS Open Award
CAT 2: $600 High School Students Artists Award
CAT 3: $600 Primary School Students Class / School Group Award
CAT 4: $100 Primary School Student Artist Award (Three $100 vouchers will be awarded to three students)
Dates
Exhibition Dates
Exhibition Opening Night
6pm, Friday 31st July 2026
Exhibition Public Viewing
1 – 9 August 2026
10am-4pm each day
Artist Dates
Entries Open
13th March 2026 to 5pm 24th July 2026
Delivery dates
Before 4pm Tuesday 28th July 2026
Collection dates
Sunday 9th August 2026 4pm to 6pm
Monday 10th August 2026 9am to 5pm
CATEGORIES
The Newcastle Mission to Seafarers (MTS) Maritime Art Prize has four (4) categories, supporting the following five (5) awards. The Best in Show prize of $6,000 is acquisitive. The remaining prizes are not acquisitive.
You can only enter once, in one category (unless you are a NSW Primary School submitting multiple entries in Category 3).
Main Prize : Judged as the best painting in the show, the winning painting will not be eligible for any other prize.
$6,000 Best in Show Acquisitive Prize
An acquisitive prize of $6,000 will be awarded to the Artwork, entered in any category, judged to be ‘Best in Show’ by the judges. The winner of the Best in Show prize will not be eligible for any other prizes.
Category 1: $2,500 Newcastle MTS Open Award
- A prize of $2,500 will be awarded to the winner of this category.
- The winner of the Best in Show Acquisitive Prize will not be eligible for this prize.
- An online application form must be completed.
- A non-refundable entry fee payment of $35 (including GST) must be paid.
- Artworks entered in this category must be available for acquisition or sale by MTS (see Terms and Conditions for further information).
Category 2: $600 High School Student Artist Award
- This category is open to students enrolled in a NSW High School.
- A prize $600 will be awarded to the winner of this category.
- The winner of the Best in Show Acquisitive Prize will not be eligible for this prize.
- An online application form must be completed including a declaration that the student is eligible to enter this category. If the student is under 18 the online application must be completed by their parent / guardian.
- Entry is free.
- Artworks entered in this category must be available for acquisition if selected to be the “Best in Show Prize” (see Terms and Conditions for further information).
Category 3: $600 Primary School Award (class or group entries)
- All entries in this category must be submitted by a NSW Primary School on behalf of a group of three (3) or more students who attend that school.
- A NSW Primary School may submit more than one entry in this category, on behalf of different student groups within its school. For example, MTS is hoping they receive bundles of Artworks from different classrooms at the same NSW Primary School.
- The group of students can choose whether to:
– enter a single Artwork that they have made together (maximum size 1.4m x 1.4m), or
– enter individual Artworks (maximum size A4), which we will grouped together for judging. - A prize of $600 will be awarded to the Primary School (not the students) who wins this category.
- An online application form must be completed by the NSW Primary School, including a declaration that the class or school is eligible to enter this category.
- The NSW Primary School making the entry is responsible to satisfy parent/guardian consent requirements.
- Entry is free.
- Artworks entered in this category must be available for acquisition if selected to be the “Best in Show Prize” (see Terms and Conditions for further information).
Category 4: $100 Voucher Primary Student Artists Award
- This category is open to students enrolled in a NSW Primary School.
- Three (3) prizes of $100 vouchers will be awarded to the three (3) winners of this category.
- An online application form must be completed by the student’s parent or guardian and must include a declaration that the student is eligible to enter this category.
- Entry is free.
- Artworks entered in this category must be available for acquisition if selected to be the “Best in Show Prize” (see Terms and Conditions for further information).
Please contact Newcastle Mission to Seafarers at [email protected] if you have any questions in relation to the above categories.
Copies of the Maritime Art Prize Application form and the Maritime Art Prize – Parental/Guardian Consent Form.docx can be found at https://www.mtsnewcastle.org.au/art
The information above in relation to categories is to be read in conjunction with the following Terms and Conditions and to the extent of any discrepancy, the Terms and Conditions will prevail.
Click on the flyer to download
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The exhibition will be held at The Mission to Seafarers Newcastle.
96 Hannell Street, Wickham, New South Wales 2293
Newcastle Mission to Seafarers (MTS) will use its best endeavours to ensure that these terms and conditions are complied with.
Artwork Requirements
- Artworks may be single or multi-piece as long as the overall dimensions do not exceed the size limit (multi piece proposals must be accompanied by a clear image of the assembled work and handing instructions).
- The weight of the Artwork must not exceed 15kg.
- Artworks must be original and must not infringe the copyright, moral rights or other rights of any third party.
- Artworks must have been created in the two years prior to 31 July 2026.
- Artworks must be professionally presented, dry (paint) and clearly labelled on the back and ready to hang with secure hardware. D Rings and hanging wires.
- Artworks framed under Perspex should be clearly marked for cleaning purposes. Artworks must not have been exhibited (in any form – digitally or physically) as a finalist in another art prize.
- In relation to Categories 1, 2 and 4, the entrant must be the owner of the Artwork.
- In relation to Category 3, the NSW Primary School must have all relevant permission secured prior to submitting an Artwork on behalf of a student or student group (eg. class, year etc).
- All entrants retain copyright in their Artwork and all information and images submitted.
- Artworks in Categories 1-2 must be submitted ready to install and must have D rings or hanging fixtures attached with hanging wire.
- All Artworks must be clearly labelled with Artist name, title of Artwork, medium , category entered and, for categories 1-3, the sale price.
- Artworks that are not to be photographed must be clearly labelled and a label will be placed near the Artwork when hung (photography will be allowed at the Finalist exhibition).
- Artwork Size and Display Requirements:
- There is no prescribed maximum size for submitted artworks. However, all artworks must be suitable for safe display within the exhibition space.
- The organiser reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse to hang, display, or exhibit any artwork that, by reason of its size, weight, configuration, or method of installation, may pose a risk to the safety or stability of exhibition infrastructure, including display screens or stands.
- Participants should note that exhibition display screens are approximately 1800 mm in width and 1200 mm in height, with the top of the screens positioned at approximately 2500 mm above ground level. Entrants are responsible for ensuring their artwork can be safely and securely accommodated within these parameters.
- Where an artwork comprises multiple components (including, without limitation, diptychs, triptychs, or other multi-part works), suitability for display will be assessed based on the combined dimensions and configuration of all components as installed or intended to be displayed.
Entrants
- MTS Employees and Board members, volunteers, judges of the MTS Maritime Art Prize 2026 and are not eligible to enter the Maritime Art Award.
- Entrants submitting artwork of cultural or religious significance must warrant that their work does not infringe any laws.
- Except for Category 3, only individuals will be able to enter the MTS Maritime Art Prize 2026.
- Entrant agrees to any embargo applicable to the finalist exhibition and/or winner announcement. The winning entrant must not disclose his/her/their identity during the embargo period.
- MTS will always attribute the artist as the author of the work. Full details of the work may be used at MTS’ discretion.
- MTS will not make any changes or alterations to an entrants Artwork and will treat the entrants work with integrity.
- MTS reserves the right to edit the Artist statement or biography if deemed too long, divisive or not in the best interest of the Exhibition.
Entries
- Entries open on 13th March 2026, 9am and will close strictly on 24th July 2026, 5pm OR when we have received 200 entries, whichever comes first. The total sum of entries from categories one, two, three and four is 200. Only the top 200 entries will be displayed.
- Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.
- An entry fee of AUD $35.00 (inc. GST) must be paid for entry of an Artwork into Categories 1 and is non-refundable. Payments must be made online at the time the application is submitted. At its sole discretion the MTS may accept payment via a different method if an applicant is unable to make an online application.
- Entries for categories one (1), that are not accompanied by payment will not be considered valid entries.
- All entries successfully received by the online application will be acknowledged (if you do not receive an acknowledgement or are having trouble making an entry, please call 02 4961 5007 or email [email protected]
- If an entrant is asked to provide evidence of their eligibility to enter a particular category, and is unable to do so, their entry will be considered invalid (any application fee received will be refunded on request).
- If an entry is found to be invalid after winners of prizes have been announced, the entrant will be disqualified, the prize will be revoked, and a new winner will be announced.
Acquisition
- All Artworks in Category 1 must be available to be acquired by MTS if the entrant is awarded the Best in Show acquisitive prize of $6,000 (incl GST).
- Artists who set a sale price of more than $6,000 (inc. GST), recognise that if they win the Best in Show Prize, (which is acquisitive) they will only receive a maximum of $6,000 in prize money.
Sale of Artworks by Finalists in Categories 1-4
- All entries in Categories 1 must be available for sale and must remain available for sale for the period of the exhibition.
- Artists who set a sale price of more than $6,000 (inc. GST), fully recognise that if they win the Best in Show Prize, (which is acquisitive) they will only receive a maximum of $6,000 in prize money.
- MTS will manage sales enquires (unless otherwise negotiated by the artist due to their representation by a registered dealer).
- A 20% commission will be deducted from the artists nominated sale price for Category 1 Art.
- Artists will be paid for any sold Artwork within 14 days of full payment by the purchaser.
- Sold Artworks are to remain in the exhibition until it ends on 9th August 2026, 4pm.
Judging – selection of winners for each category
Priya Joy is a Newcastle-based visual artist and educator whose practice explores colour and light through portraiture, landscape, and still life. Having studied at the National Art School, she works across both exhibiting and arts education, tutoring in Creative Arts within the Education Faculty at the University of Newcastle and teaching at Art House Studios.
Her work has been recognised with a Highly Commended award in the Maitland Portrait Prize and the People’s Choice Award at the MTS Exhibition. Priya recently completed further study in Florence and undertook a residency with Lighthouse Arts. As this year’s guest judge, she brings a thoughtful perspective shaped by professional practice and extensive experience supporting artists through arts education.
- The judges, including the number of judges, may be changed by MTS without notice.
- The winners of each category will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the selection.
Exhibition
- The hanging of Artworks in the Maritime Art Prize 2026 exhibition is at the sole discretion of MTS. Artworks may not be exhibited if the images submitted earlier are not an adequate representation of the actual work received, the work is not in a condition for public exhibition submitted or for any other reason.
- All Artwork must be available for display at MTS, between Wednesday 29th July to 4:00pm Sunday 9th August 2026.
- Artwork must be delivered, at the entrant’s expense, to the Mission to Seafarers Building, 96 Hannell Street, Wickham, New South Wales 2293, by no later than Tuesday 28th July 4pm.
- Artists must acknowledge that their Artwork statement and biography, submitted as provided as part of the entry to Maritime Art Prize 2026, may be used by MTS for the purposes of education, publicity and promotion.
- Adequate precautions must be taken in packing of works as no responsibility will be taken for damaged or lost works in transit. Packaging must be suitable for return.
- Artists will be responsible for all transit insurance.
- MTS will exercise professional care of exhibited Artworks.
- Neither MTS nor its employees or representatives will accept responsibility for any loss or damage, however caused, to any artwork whilst in their custody.
- Where reasonable winners of prizes will make themselves available for marketing and media opportunities in relation to the promotion of the exhibition, at the invitation of MTS.
- Artists grant to MTS (and sponsors ) a fee-free, non-commercial, non-exclusive licence to reproduce the submitted work in material form, to photograph, publish and/or communicate it to the public, for the following purposes: marketing, publicity, educational and publication uses for the MTS Maritime Art Prize and its exhibition in all media, including but not limited to electronic/digital, broadcasting and print media and anything incidental to such purposes including visitor social media use.
- Artists grant to MTS a perpetual licence for its archival purposes.
- At the conclusion of the exhibition the Artwork (other than the winner and any sold during the exhibition) will be collected by the entrant at the entrant’s expense.
- The organiser reserves the right to amend, vary, or replace these Terms and Conditions at any time in its sole discretion. Any such amendments will take effect immediately upon publication by the organiser. Continued participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms and Conditions.
Advertising & Promotion
- The Newcastle Maritime Art Prize 2026 will be widely advertised and promoted through both print and digital media.
- Artists will be credited in all promotional activities where artwork images are reproduced.
Raffle
- A raffle with be held on the Exhibition Opening Night with prizes generously donated by:
Return of Artworks
- Collection of all unsold works at the conclusion of the Exhibition is the responsibility of the artist. Works must be collected between Sunday 9th August 4pm to 6pm or Monday 10th August 2026 9am to 5pm.
- An artist’s signed authority is required if an agent of the artist is collecting the art.
- Artists dispatching works by Courier to a nominated return address must contact by email [email protected] prior to the closure of the exhibition to confirm details.
- All pre-paid couriered Artworks for return will be repackaged in their original wrappings if possible at the closure of the Exhibition – Artists must supply return shipping details (including a return address) with their artwork. It is the responsibility of the artist to ensure works are professionally and securely packaged for transport/delivery and have glass taped and corners protected.
- Artworks must be collected within two (2) weeks of the final collection date. After this period, MTS reserves the right to determine the appropriate handling of uncollected works.
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