Central Belonging Art Award 2026

15 May to 14 June 2026

Central Belonging Art Award is an art prize exhibition that represents the rich diversity of the artistic communities around and within the Central West region.

It showcases established and emerging artists that are local to Cowra Shire and the surrounding areas. Artists from the following local government areas are part of the finalist exhibition: Bathurst, Bland, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Hilltops, Lachlan, Lithgow, Mid-Western Region, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Upper Lachlan and Weddin.

The exhibition is an opportunity to explore the passions, imagination and inspiration of the Central West creatives. It presents a range of disciplines and media, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and printmaking.

The exhibition is supported by the Cowra Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee. Artworks in the exhibition are for sale and the public can vote for a favourite work. The first prize of $2,000 and a second prize of $1,000 are funded by private donations. Funded by the Art Gallery Trust, the winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive $500.

Central Belonging Art Award celebrates what it means to be part of the vibrant ‘Cowra and beyond’ artistic cohort.

OPENING EVENT 6pm - 8pm, Friday 15 May 2026
RSVP via Eventbrite or email cowraartgallery@cowra.nsw.gov.au

Cowra Regional Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges the donations by David Henley and Ken Hutchinson for the main award of $2,000.

Apply to enter the Central Belonging Art Award.