Newcastle Maritime Art Prize 2026

The Newcastle Maritime Art Prize 2026 opens at Mission to Seafarers on Friday 31 July, with the exhibition staying open for public viewing from 1 to 9 August. It's run by Mission to Seafarers Newcastle, an organisation that supports seafarers with pastoral care, practical help, and friendship. This year's theme is 'United by the Sea, together as one', which frames the sea as a symbol of shared humanity.

The exhibition is built around six categories and eight awards, with the top prize being a A$6,000 acquisitive Best in Show. The guest judge is Priya Joy, a Newcastle-based visual artist and educator whose work explores colour and light through portraiture, landscape, and still life. She studied at the National Art School, tutors in Creative Arts at the University of Newcastle, and teaches at Art House Studios. Her own record includes a Highly Commended award in the Maitland Portrait Prize and the People's Choice Award at a previous Mission to Seafarers exhibition.

If you're thinking of entering, the Category 1 entry fee is A$35. The opening night is 31 July, and the public viewing runs from 1 to 9 August at Mission to Seafarers Newcastle, 96 Hannell Street, Wickham, NSW 2293.