Since 2003, EMERGING has run as a biennial art award to support early-career artists working in non-traditional mediums and installation-based practices. Entries are open to artists across New South Wales aged 18 to 30. The exhibition of finalists provides an opportunity for the selected artists to develop and exhibit a new or existing body of work at Gosford Regional Gallery.
Opportunities to gain recognition and experience within a professional gallery setting are essential to building a sustainable and fruitful career in the contemporary arts.
Emerging 2027 is the twelfth time the prize and exhibition will be held at Gosford Regional Gallery, and we are pleased to offer the $5,000 prize and continue our commitment to provide opportunities for young artists.
Shortlisted submissions will be exhibited at Gosford Regional Gallery from 13 February to 11 April 2027
Successful applicants will receive a $1000 Artist Fee and may apply for further funds for artwork transport, exhibition development or presentation. One submission will be awarded a $5,000 Emerging Prize, announced at the exhibition opening on Friday 12 February 2027.
Submissions for EMERGING 2027 must be completed by 4pm Monday 26 October, 2026.
Entry is free !
Emerging 2027 Key Dates
11 September 2026 Submissions open
26 October 2026 Submissions close
6 November 2026 Selected submissions announced
12 February 2027 Friday 6pm, Award announcement and exhibition opening event
13 February 2027 Saturday, Exhibition opens
11 April 2027 Sunday, Exhibition closes
Other Important Dates
Artist installation dates 2027
Artists must be available to assist installation of their work within these dates.
4 – 5 February 2027. Week one
8 – 10 February 2027. Week two
28 and 29 January 2027 - Delivery of artwork or alternatively arranged with the Curator prior to these dates.
Monday 12 April 2027 - De installation and collection of artwork
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility
To be eligible applicants must have turned 18 on or after October 26, 2014, and not be older than 30 on October 26, 2026
Applicants must be residents of NSW
Copyright
By entering the Emerging2027, the entrant agrees to grant Gosford Regional Gallery a non-exclusive licence to photograph exhibited artworks and publish images of the artworks, or a detail of an artwork, for the purpose of documentation and the promotion of the Emerging Prize and/or Gosford Regional Gallery.
Privacy
Information provided on the Emerging 2027 online entry form will be used solely for the purpose of running this competition.
The details of selected artists including name, artwork title, medium, size, price and artist statement will be used to create a catalogue of the selected finalists, exhibition signage and an archive of Emerging finalists.
Insurance
Work on exhibition will be insured against fire, theft and vandalism. Gosford Regional Gallery will not be held liable for minor accidental damage or deterioration due to inherent vice.
Image: Madi Feist's Emerging 2025 Winning presentation Bag Lady, 2025. Wolfwise
