Bombala Art Prize – A day of painting en plein air

Join us in Bombala for a day of al fresco painting at the Bombala Art Prize. We will spend the day painting along the beautiful Bombala Riverside Park, surrounded by the colours of autumn. Enjoy a friendly, creative day outdoors, meet other artists, and take part in a community celebration of art and place. All artists are invited to share their work at the 2026 Bombala Art Prize Exhibition. 

Key Information

• When: Saturday, 18 April 2026 9:30am - 10:00pm
• Where: Bombala Riverside Park, Bombala (Swimming Pool) followed by a dinner at the Bombala Exhibition Hall.
• Who can register: Artists of all experience levels and ages are welcome to take part.
• Prize: Total prize pool of $20,000. This is one of Australia's most lucrative painting awards. 
  • First Prize - $17,000
  • Second Prize - $2,000  
  • Third Prize - $1,000
  • Children’s Prize -  A painting kit with paints, brushes and canvases

Event Program

• 9.30am. Artist check in opens at the Bombala Riverside (Swimming pool car park). Preordered lunchboxes can be collected.
• 10.00am. “En Plein Air” painting event begins, select a spot around the riverside walk and settle in!
• 4.00pm. Works to be handed in to the curator by 4pm, at the local Exhibition grounds hall for hanging.
• 6.30pm. Award dinner commences, drinks (bar purchases) dinner, viewing works, and casting your vote!
• 8.30pm. Cut off for voting, and counting begins to select the winners.
• 8.45pm. Winners announced (adults and youth prize)
• 9.00pm. Auction of the works artists are happy to sell.
• 10.00pm. Last drinks and event concludes

How is the Prize determined?

• Everyone with a ticket to the award dinner to be eligible to cast one vote for the 2026 Bombala Art Prize!
• The artwork with the most votes wins 1st prize. The next two artworks with the most votes win second and third prizes.
• You must attend the dinner to cast your vote. Artists must attend the dinner to win the prize. 

Terms & Conditions

• Artists registrations (adult) are limited. Register now to secure your spot.
• Artists registrations will close once the ticket allocation is exhausted.
• Youth registrations are free (for school age painters) All youth entrants must register, state their age, and be accompanied by an adult for both the painting session and the dinner. The youth prize will be selected by a panel of artists.
• Ticketed attendees to the award dinner are eligible to cast one vote (1) for their favourite artwork. The vote cutoff is 8.30pm.
• You must be there and attend the dinner to cast your vote.
• Painting must not commence before 10am on the day.
• No electronic equipment or tools may be used to produce the painting.

View full terms and conditions at bombalaartprize.com/terms-conditions

Cancellations

• Within 7 days of event, cancellations are not refundable.
• Prior to 7 days of the event, cancellations will be refunded less a 20% processing fee.
• Should the event be cancelled, a full refund will be given.
• Should the event be rescheduled, the option of a refund or re-entering will be given.