Entries are now open for the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2026, with a prize pool of over $18,000.
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Entries close on 15 July 2026 at 4pm.
Meroogal, Corner West and Worrigee streets, Nowra NSW 2541
Museums of History NSW is excited to announce that entries are now open for the Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2026, with a prize pool of over $18,000.
This biennial prize celebrates the achievements and creativity of women artists in NSW through works that respond to the historic house of Meroogal, its rich cultural heritage and enduring sense of place.
Built in 1885, Meroogal was the cherished home of four generations of women from one family over 100 years. Now a museum that elevates women’s histories, Meroogal contains more than 4,000 belongings accumulated by the resilient and resourceful Thorburn and Macgregor women and reflects their vibrant community life in Nowra on the NSW South Coast.
Women artists from across NSW are invited to submit artworks that respond to Meroogal and its meaning within broader historical and contemporary contexts. Selected artworks will be displayed throughout the property to provide new perspectives on the stories of the people who once lived there and the treasured possessions they left in the house.
The Meroogal Women’s Art Prize is a regional, non-acquisitive competition and exhibition. It is open to a work in any medium made by a woman aged 18 years or over who is a resident of NSW.
Entries close on 15 July 2026 at 4pm.
Find out more here.
Artworks selected for inclusion in the exhibition will be on display to the public from 19 September 2026 to 24 April 2027.
The Meroogal Women’s Art Prize 2026 is presented by Museums of History NSW in partnership with Bundanon and Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, Nowra.
Residency Prize: $8,000, a Bundanon artist-in-residence scholarship* and a Museums of History NSW membership
Exhibition Prize: $8,000, a solo exhibition** at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, Nowra and a Museums of History NSW membership
Highly Commended Award: $1,500 and a Museums of History NSW membership
People’s Choice Award: $500 and a Museums of History NSW membership (award to be announced at the close of the exhibition)
Entries close Wednesday 15 July 2026 at 4pm.
Artists selected for the exhibition will be notified by Thursday 13 August 2026.
Artwork delivery is on Monday 7 September and Tuesday 8 September 2026 at The Mint and Thursday 10 September and Saturday 12 September 2026 at Meroogal.
Prize winners announced and exhibition launched on Saturday 19 September 2026.
Exhibition dates from 19 September 2026 to 24 April 2027.
Please read the Terms and Conditions and the FAQs before commencing your application.
Closing date for entries is Wednesday 15 July 2026 at 4pm.
Entries are to be submitted through our online form.
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Meroogal Photo © Katherine Lu for Museums of History NSW
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Embroidered vases by Elizabeth Lewis, 2022. Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2022 Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Elizabeth Lewis
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Deep longings settled, Mariana del Castillo, 2024. Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2024. Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Mariana del Castillo
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The Four Sisters, Rebecca Trajkovski, 2024. Acrylic on birch wood. Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2024. Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Rebecca Trajkovski
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Vexations in blue, Jackie Streit, 2024, cotton, aluminium purse clasp, chain, polyester hair, ribbon Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Jackie Streit.
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Hallowed ground, Tina Matthews, 2024, glassine, steel, shellac, wood, papier-mâché, drafting film. Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Tina Matthews
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Flower boy, Sassy Park, 2024, ceramic, glaze, glass. Meroogal Women's Art Prize 2024. Photo © Joshua Morris for Museums of History NSW. Artwork © Sassy Park
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We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians. We also acknowledge all of the traditional owners of the land in NSW, and pay respect to First Nations Elders, past and present.
