The Prize
This year marks the 10 year anniversary of Bluethumb. Thatβs 10 years of supporting Australian artists in all stages of their careers; 10 years of helping collectors connect directly with Australian artists; 10 years of being the true: Home of Australian Artists.<br><br>To mark this momentous milestone, weβre making the 2022 prize bigger and better than ever before. The Bluethumb Art Prize will be the largest and richest art prize in Australian history, with a total prize pool of A$250,000. Weβre excited to be back hosting the awards ceremony in person again this year, which will take place at our new flagship gallery in Richmond, Melbourne on Thursday 27 October 2022.
See All EntriesThe Overall Winner will be invited to exhibit at the Bluethumb Art Prize 2022 Winnersβ Exhibition to be held at Bluethumbβs flagship gallery in Richmond, Melbourne.
The category awards and respective cash prizes are as follows:
- Abstract Award: A$10,000
- Landscape Award: A$10,000
- Portrait Award: A$10,000
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award: A$10,000
- Still Life Award: A$10,000
- Photography Award: A$10,000
- Digital Award: A$10,000
- Sculpture Award: A$10,000
The Foundersβ Award:
After its successful launch last year, The Foundersβ Award will return again in 2022. This award is judged by Bluethumb co-founders and brothers Edward and George Hartley, and is for large statement pieces (at least 1.5m on one side) as this is the most popular and in-demand artwork on Bluethumb.
The winner of the Foundersβ Award will receive a A$10,000 cash prize.
The Peopleβs Choice Award:
The Peopleβs Choice award is voted for online by the public from the pool of finalists when theyβre announced on Thursday 29 September 2022. The Peopleβs Choice award winner will be announced on Thursday 10 November 2022 and receive a A$10,000 cash prize.
For the People's Choice Award, the public (excluding Bluethumb employees and their families) can vote for their 5 (five) favourite artworks from Thursday 29 September until Wednesday 9 November 2022 and will go in the running to win a βfavouritedβ artwork valued up to A$2,000. The winner will be picked at random and informed accordingly.
2022 Judges
Our Judging Panel consists of some of Australiaβs most-renowned artists, including the 2022 Archibald Prize winner and our reigning Bluethumb Art Prize holder. This yearβs panel is diverse and qualified and will not only pick great winners, but continue to bring our prize and our artists the national attention they deserve. The finalists will be shortlisted by the Bluethumb Selection Panel before being handed over to our esteemed panel of judges.
Two-time winner and three-time finalist of the Archibald Prize, Del Kathryn Barton is best known for her playful and often kaleidoscopic depictions of people and animals.
Critically acclaimed photo media and installation artist whose work explores the connection between nature and the moments of transition in our lives.
Winner of the 2022 Archibald Prize, with proud Dhungatti Aboriginal origins, Blak Douglas evokes the need for cultural and political change - but often with a sense of irony and hint of sarcasm.
Packing Room Prize winner 2021 and Archibald finalist many times over, Kathrin Longhurst is a renowned contemporary figurative artist known for her arresting and provocative paintings.
Winner of the 2021 Bluethumb Art Prize, Loribelle Spirovski returns this year as one of our esteemed judges. Her work spans numerous styles including traditional portraiture and surrealism.
The Foundersβ Award is judged by Bluethumb co-founders and brothers Edward and George Hartley.
2022 Finalists
All Entries
View All$2,330
$4,170