---
title: Kilgour Prize
description: Annual Australian juried prize for figurative and portrait painting; $50,000 top prize plus $5,000 People's Choice award.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/340a0cc7-3ece-412b-904c-7279c6296f64
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-09-29"
updatedAt: "2026-10-06"
programType: Prize/award
organization: Newcastle Art Gallery
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/newcastle-art-gallery
deadline: "2026-10-05"
entryFee: 50 AUD
location: Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
isOnline: false
compensationRange: $50,000 prize for the most outstanding work; $5,000 People's Choice award
disciplines:
  - painting
---

# Kilgour Prize

**Hosted by:** Newcastle Art Gallery

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia | **Deadline:** October 5, 2026 | **Entry fee:** A$50

## About This Program

> "Figurative and portrait painting"

### About this opportunity

The Kilgour Prize is an annual non-acquisitive art prize for figurative and portrait painting. This major Australian art prize awards $50,000 for the most outstanding work of art as selected by the judging panel. A People's Choice award of $5,000 is presented for the painting voted most popular by the public during the exhibition. Newcastle Art Gallery celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the Kilgour Prize this year. Administered by Newcastle Art Gallery since 2006, the Kilgour Prize was established following the generous bequest of renowned Newcastle-based figurative and portrait painter, Jack Noel Kilgour (1900-1987).

### Eligibility Info

The Competition is open to professional artists based in Australia who are either citizens of Australia or residents who have resided in Australia for at least 12 months and who are 18 years and older (Entrants). Entrants under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter the Competition.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** painting
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** The Competition is open to professional artists based in Australia who are either citizens of Australia or residents who have resided in Australia for at least 12 months and who are 18 years and older. Entrants under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter the Competition.

## Compensation & Benefits

$50,000 prize for the most outstanding work; $5,000 People's Choice award

**Includes:** Prize

A $50,000 prize is awarded for the most outstanding work of art as selected by the judging panel. A People's Choice award of $5,000 is presented for the painting voted most popular by the public during the exhibition.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 30, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 5, 2026
- **Program Start:** April 10, 2027
- **Program End:** August 1, 2027

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/kilgour-prize-entry