The John Villiers Outback Art Prize 2025

The John Villiers Outback Art Prize is now open for artists from all over Australia to submit their paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures depicting the uniqueness of country landscapes and communities.

Adult and youth, professional and emerging artists are invited to submit their work for the chance to gain recognition, win prizes and be part of the exhibition.

Lea-Anne Bradley, CEO of The John Villiers Trust (JVT), said the Art Prize was a great opportunity for young people in particular to share their perspectives and experiences of living in rural, regional and remote Australia.

“The Art Prize is a valuable creative outlet for youth in country Australia. It provides an opportunity to support their development and encourage them to participate and take risks,” Ms Bradley said.

“We know that young people are often hesitant to share their work, but the Emerging Youth category is designed specifically to celebrate and promote young artists. This is a chance to recognise and exhibit their talent, and tell their stories.

“It also provides an avenue for adults and youth to visually share their experiences of outback Australia, while promoting Winton and the surrounding area as a unique place to visit to view the exhibition.”

The Art Prize is open now until 8 January 2025. Winners will be announced in March 2025 and entries exhibited online and at the Outback Regional Gallery in the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton from 15 March until 11 May.

Find out more about the event and the many reasons to visit Winton here. 

Supporting country Queensland

JVT has granted $180,000 to The Waltzing Matilda Centre since 2011.

In recent years, the Emerging Youth category and Children’s Art Project digital gallery have been added to the John Villiers Outback Art Prize to give kids and young people from rural, regional and remote communities a voice and opportunity to express themselves and their experiences in outback Australia through art.