Contemporary Print Media Awards 2026

The Contemporary Print Media Awards 2026 is open to all printmakers living in Western Australia. The exhibition will be held at PS Art Space, 22 Pakenham Street, Fremantle.

Exhibition Details:

• Exhibition dates: Saturday 16 May – Friday 29 May 2026
• Opening & awards night: Friday 15 May 2026, 6:30–8:30pm

Gallery hours:

• Tuesday–Friday: 10:00am–4:00pm
• Saturday: 12:00pm–5:00pm
• Closed Sunday and Monday

Eligibility & Entry:

• Artists may submit one print only.
• Prints must have been made within the last 24 months and must not have been previously exhibited.
• Entries open Monday 23rd March 2026. Enter online at www.pawa.org.au.
• Entries close 5:00pm, Friday 24 April 2026.
• A clear image of the work (resolution 300ppi maximum file size 2MB) must be submitted with your entry.

Print Media:

• All traditional fine-art printmaking methods are accepted, including woodcut, intaglio, lithography, screen print, lino, and monotype.
• Cyanotype prints must include an additional hand-pulled layer.
• Digital processes may be used in plate preparation only.
• Final prints must be hand-pulled or press-printed.
• Digital-only or giclée prints will not be accepted.

Size & Presentation:

• Maximum size: 120cm (H) × 80cm (W), including any frame.
• Unframed works are acceptable.
• Diptychs, triptychs, or multipart works are allowed if the total size stays within the maximum limit.

3D Works:

• Three-dimensional print-based works are welcome.
• Maximum size: 120cm (H) × 80cm (W) × 80cm (D)
• Maximum weight: 10kg
• 3D works must be discussed and approved in advance by emailing admin@pawa.org.au.

Delivery of Works:

• Works must be delivered to PS Art Space on Tuesday 12 May 2026 between 12:00pm and 6:30pm.
• Late deliveries will not be accepted.
• If you cannot deliver during this time, please arrange an alternative by emailing admin@pawa.org.au.

Framing & Hanging:

• Framed works must be professionally finished and ready to hang
• Use D-rings and picture cord only (no wire)
• Works with unsafe or inadequate hanging systems may be refused

Unframed Works:

• Unframed works will be hung using magnets
• No matt boards or foam core will be accepted 
• Therefore, only print is required
• Any works mounted on plywood will be accepted as framed work

Labelling:

Each work must be clearly labelled on the back (bottom right corner) with:

• Artist’s name
• Mobile number
• Title
• Medium
• Price
• Dimensions

Sales & Commission:

• A 30% commission applies to all sales.
• Prices must include GST, where applicable.

• We do not have the capacity to accept editioned works as part of the exhibition. If your submitted work is part of an edition, you are welcome to include this information within the artwork title. Should there be interest from viewers, we would be happy to direct enquiries to you so that you can provide further details regarding available editions.

Conditions:

• All works must be original. Artists are responsible for copyright compliance.
• The selection committee reserves the right to reject works that do not meet the conditions or are unsuitable.
• No changes can be made after entries close.
• Works must remain on display for the full exhibition period.

Gallery Sitting:

All selected artists are encouraged to participate in the gallery sitting roster.

Care & Collection:

• All reasonable care will be taken, but PAWA accepts no responsibility for damage or loss.
• PAWA is not responsible for uncollected works.

Collection times:

• Friday 29 May 2026: 4:00pm–7:00pm
• Saturday 30 May 2026: 12:00pm–5:00pm

If you need help with collection, or cannot collect during these times, please contact admin@pawa.org.au. Works not collected without written notice may be considered the property of PAWA.

AWARD CATEGORIES

• Contemporary Print Media Excellence Award (Acquisitive)

• Patron’s Award

Sponsor:

Leon Pericles AM, $400 gift voucher Muir Books (John Muir Rare and Old Books)

• Highly Commended

• First Nations Award

Sponsors:

-Ray White Urban Springs, $500 cash

-Art and Craft World, shop voucher $200

• Regional Award (Mandurah is deemed to be metropolitan, Pinjarra is regional)

Sponsors:

morrisonart, Joshua Walters and Sienna Graham, $700 cash

• Student Award (pre-grad students eligible only)

• Peoples’ Choice

Sponsors:

-Jacksons Drawing Supplies, Jacksons Gift Package 

-Beck Klemens, $200 cash

JUDGING PANEL

Professor Susannah Castleden
Ms. Carly Lane
Mr. Ron Bradfield Jnr
Leon Pericles AM – Patrons’ Award

OPENING SPEAKER

Jo Darvall