We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Melbourne Prize Trust operates, the people of the Kulin Nation, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

Entries are now open for the $60,000 (incl. GST) Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 & Awards, one of Australia’s most valuable arts awards of its kind.

The 2026 program provides opportunities for Victorian sculptors to advance their artistic practice through cash prizes, residencies and professional exposure.

Entrants this year are asked to provide details about their current practice as well as future projects. Finalists in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 will be showcased in a public information exhib at Fed Square in November, accompanied by a digital catalogue. All non‑winning finalists will receive $1,000 (incl. GST).

We welcome entries from artists working in expanded fields of sculpture, including public installation, new media, performance, sound-based and socially engaged practice. Artists at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply, including First Nations artists and artists from all genders, cultures, languages and diverse backgrounds.

Now in its 22nd year, the annual Melbourne Prize continues its objective to enhance Victoria’s creative community, recognising and rewarding the work of writers, musicians and sculptors and highlighting the important role of creativity in our society.

This year’s program would not be possible without the support of Major Patron, The Vera Moore Foundation and all our 2026 partner and patrons – thank you one and all.

Thank you for your interest in our activities this year.

Kind regards,

Simon Warrender OAM
Executive Director & Founder
Melbourne Prize Trust

Supporting Victorian sculptors,
writers and musicians since 2005

Entries in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 & Awards are open – closing 6 July at 5pm 

• Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 – $60,000 (incl. GST)
• Falls Creek Sculptors Residencies 2026 – Two 14-day residencies plus $1,000 (incl. GST) cash to each winner
• Civic Choice Award 2026 – $2,000 (incl. GST) awarded to a finalist in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture with the highest number of public votes

Click here for the Entry Guidelines and Entry Form

Click here for the prize categories
Click here for the key dates
Click here for the media release

The Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 & Awards provide Victorian sculptors with opportunities to benefit their practice.

A public exhibit of finalists in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 will be on show at Fed Square between 13 and 26 November.

Thank you to Major Patron, The Vera Moore Foundation, and all 2026 partners and patrons – please see below.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL MELBOURNE PRIZE

The annual Melbourne Prize, which is run by the Melbourne Prize Trust, is funded through public and private sector community investment. We acknowledge and thank all our partners this year who have made it possible to offer the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 & Awards.

Click here to support Melbourne Prize Trust.

This year’s program is made possible by the generous support of our 2026 partners and patrons.

Click here to see the Partners and Patrons.

THANK YOU

Design by Playground

Playground Studios are a leading Melbourne-based design studio. As the Foundation Creative Partner of the annual Melbourne Prize, the studio develops the identity each year for music, literature and urban sculpture.

The annual Melbourne Prize is itself a form awaiting the artist. Each cycle presents a new theme. Each theme invites fresh perspectives.

This year it is Urban Sculpture – an opportunity to build meaning differently and play with its physical forms.

From primary shapes, mass and void, edge and core, we draw type and sculpture together. At their intersection, letterforms become objects and totems – weighted, spatial, sculptural. We use language not to describe sculpture but to be it.

Website by The Mighty Wonton

The Mighty Wonton are Founding Partners of the annual Melbourne Prize and have been with the organisation since inception. The company develop and manage IT for the Melbourne Prize and together with Playground, design and manage the website.