Shire of Harvey Art Prize

The Shire of Harvey Art Prize returns in 2026 with an exciting exhibition at Former Church (78 Young Street, Harvey). 

About the Shire of Harvey Art Prize

From the Land, From the Heart — this year’s theme celebrates creativity inspired by country, community, and connection. Artists are encouraged to explore what grounds them, to draw inspiration from the places they call home and express their deep connection to the land through art.

This exhibition brings together an impressive collection of artworks from across the South West, showcasing the talent, passion, and diverse perspectives artists from the Harvey region and beyond.

The Art Prize in Harvey stands as one of the region’s longest-running celebrations of art and community. Established and passionately championed for decades by the Harvey Art Society, this much-loved exhibition continues to play a vibrant role in our cultural landscape, proudly presented in 2026 by the Shire of Harvey.

We invite you to explore, reflect, and enjoy this remarkable display of creativity.

Don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award!

The event is proudly hosted by the Shire of Harvey with the support of local sponsors.

There are five categories with a prize pool of over $<>

Categories

  • Overall Award -  the top prize open to all entrants. Artists may enter this category directly, and artworks from other categories will also be considered for this award.
  • Resident Award - this award celebrates local creative talent and is for artwork created by an artist who resides within the Shire of Harvey.
  • Emerging Artist Award - an artist in the early stages of their professional career who is building experience, exposure, and recognition.
  • Youth Award - artwork created by a young artist aged 12–17 years at the time of entry.
  • Noongar Award - celebrates artwork created by an artist who identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Key Dates

  • Entries open - 9am Wednesday, 7 January via online form until Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
  • ‘How to Photograph your Artwork’ workshop - Saturday, 17 January 2026  at 9am at the Leschenault Leisure Centre.
  • Exhibition opening night and awards: Thursday, 5 March 2026 from (time).
  • Exhibition runs from Friday,  6 March to Thursday, 12 March 2026 coinciding with the Harvey Harvest Festival weekend.

Location

Former Church, 78 Young Street, Harvey.

Entry is free.

Artwork submission
  1. Entries must be made by completing and submitting an online Application Form available at www.harvey.wa.gov.au to the Shire during the Application Period between 9am Wednesday, 7 January 2026 and 4pm Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.
  2. All artworks must be the original work of the artist and must have been completed in the previous 24 months from the date of entries closing (Wednesday, 4 February 2026).
  3. All artworks must not exceed W1m x H1m (including frame). Any 2D (two-dimensional) must not weigh more than 10kg and 20kg for 3D (three-dimensional) artwork.
  4. Artists can enter a maximum of two (2) artworks for the Harvey Art Prize.
Award categories, eligibility and judging
  1. All entries that are eligible will be accepted into the Shire of Harvey Art Prize for judging; however, not all entries are guaranteed selection for the exhibition.
  2. Entries accepted for exhibition and for the prizes are selected by the Shire of Harvey Awards, Honours and Prizes Advisory Group with advice from an independent art practitioner.
  3. The Shire will notify Artists of their acceptance into the exhibition in writing (by email).
  4. The Shire reserves the right not to accept an Artwork into the Shire of Harvey Art Prize at its absolute discretion. The Shire’s decision is final.
  5. Eligibility Criteria:
    1. Shire staff, Councillors and their immediate family members, defined as those residing in the same household, are not eligible to enter the Harvey Art Prize.
    2. Entrants aged under 11 at the time of entry are not eligible to enter the Art Prize.
    3. Entries are strictly limited to two Artworks per Artist.
    4. The Artist must be based in Western Australia.
    5. The Artwork must be the original artwork of the exhibiting Artist.
    6. Artwork created with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not accepted.
  6. The Shire will notify prize winners at the opening night of the exhibition on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
  7. Eligible participants are not required to be present at the event to receive the prize offered.
  8. The People’s Choice winner will be selected from the exhibited works during the exhibition dates.
  9. Categories:
    1. All entries will be eligible for the Overall Award.
    2. Only artists that live in the Shire of Harvey will be eligible for the Resident Award.
    3. The Youth Award category is open to any person aged 12 – 17 years inclusive at date of entries closing (Wednesday, 4 February 2026).
    4. To enter the Noongar Award, the artist must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Artwork specifications
  1. An Artwork Information Label must be attached to the back of artworks selected for the exhibition upon delivery. This label will be supplied to you prior to delivery.
  2. All artworks must be suitably presented for display. 2D artworks must have properly affixed cord or wire with ‘D’ rings to hold the artwork. ’D’ rings to be securely fitted 7- 10 cm or 1/3 height of work from the top corners. If required, adjustments may be made to the affixed ‘D’ rings on the frame by staff.
  3. If the Artwork has specific installation requirements, the Artist must provide this information to the Shire in the Application Form.
Sale of artworks
  1. The Artist must notify the Shire in the Application Form if they want the artworks to be sold during the exhibition.
  2. The Shire offers no guarantee of the sale of Artwork.
  3. The Shire will not be directly handling any sales. If you wish for your artwork to be available for purchase, you will need to provide a sale price and your contact details so that interested buyers can contact you directly. We will clearly display this information alongside your artwork and can note if a piece is sold during the exhibition.
Copyright and Insurance
  1. It is the responsibility of the artist to provide insurance and transportation for their artwork. The Shire will exercise all due care but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or theft of any artwork due to its exhibition in a public space.
  2. All work must be the original work of the submitting artist and warrants that to the best of their knowledge there is no cultural, religious, legal or other reason that prevents the Artwork from being exhibited or reproduced.
  3. The Artist retains copyright of and all moral rights in relation to, the Artwork in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth).
  4. In submitting an Artwork, the Artist agrees to allow the Shire to:
    1. Reproduce, publish and display entries, in full or in part, for use in any promotional materials and publications, including promotions of the Shire’s future Art Prize.
    2. Publish any information provided by the Artist in connection with their entry.
    3. Consent to the Shire taking photographs and/or videos of their submitted Artwork and the Artist themselves to be published on the Shire’s media channels including but not limited to website, printed publications and social media pages.
Deliveries and Collections
  1. The Artist is responsible for the transport of Artworks to the exhibition and all associated costs, plus the transport of any unsold works from the exhibition.
  2. Artworks are to be delivered at the dates and times provided to the entrant when notified of selection.
  3. The Shire will contact all Artists by Wednesday, 11 February 2026 if their Artworks are selected to be exhibited.
  4. Any Sold Artworks are still to be collected by the artists or the purchaser on the final day of the exhibition being Thursday, 12 March 2026.

How do I enter?

Artists must fill in the Application Form online including a photograph of the artwork. Judging will be conducted from the image provided, so please ensure your photo is clear, evenly lit, and shows the artwork in full.

Are there any limitations on artwork size?

All artworks must not exceed W1m x H1m (including frame).

Any 2D (two-dimensional) must not weigh more than 10 kg and 20 kg for 3D (three-dimensional) artwork.

How do I take a photo of my artwork?

We have created a ‘How-to’ video to help you take the best photo of your artwork using a smartphone.

In addition, you can attend an educational workshop where you will be able to bring your artwork along and take the photo.

How many pieces can I enter?

Artists can enter a maximum of two (2) artworks for the Shire of Harvey Art Prize.

Each artwork must be submitted on individual entry forms.

Is there a cost to enter?

No, entries are free!

Does the artwork need to be recently created?

Yes, all work must be original and must have been completed in the previous 24 months from the date of entries closing.

When will I know if my work will be exhibited?

Artists with entries selected for the exhibition will be notified by Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

When and where do I deliver my artwork?

This information will be provided to you by Wednesday, 11 February 2026, should you artwork be selected.

Can I sell my artwork at the Harvey Art Prize?

Yes, you can, but it is not compulsory.

The Shire will not be directly handling any sales. If you wish for your artwork to be available for purchase, you will need to provide a sale price and your contact details so that interested buyers can contact you directly. We will clearly display this information alongside your artwork and can note if a piece is sold during the exhibition.

This approach gives artists the opportunity to connect directly with potential buyers, promoting ongoing support for their work beyond the exhibition.

Do I need insurance for my artwork?

It is the responsibility of the artist to provide insurance for their artwork.

The Shire will exercise all due care but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or theft of any artwork due to its exhibition in a public space.

Where is the exhibition held?

The exhibition will be held at  Former Church, 78 Young Street, Harvey.

The opening event is on Thursday, 5 March 2026, and invitations will be sent to selected exhibitors.

The exhibition runs from Friday, 6 March to Thursday, 12 March, coinciding with the Harvey Harvest Festival Weekend.

When are the prize winners announced?

At the opening event on Thursday, 5 March 2026.

The People’s Choice winner will be contacted directly following the conclusion of the exhibition and announced via Social Media.  

 

How will the People’s Choice be selected?

During the exhibition, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite artwork.

The artwork with the most votes will be awarded the People’s Choice prize.

We encourage artists to submit work that reflects this year’s theme “From the Land, From the Heart” – exploring connections to country, community, and the people and places that inspire you. Whether through landscape, culture, stories, or personal experience, we welcome artworks that celebrate the heart and soul of your connection to place.

All eligible entries will be accepted into the Harvey Art Prize; however, not all submissions are guaranteed selection for the exhibition.

Entries are open until Wednesday,  4 February 2026, and the exhibition will open on Thursday, 5 February for one week.

Should your artwork be selected, you will be notified by Wednesday, 11 February 2026 with details on delivery for the exhibition.

Submission Form