MSWPS: Changing Perspectives 2026

7 Oct 2026 – 18 Oct 2026

Opening: Saturday 10 October, 2.00 pm

Location: Frater, McCubbin, & Hammond Galleries

The Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors (MSWPS) is proud to present Changing Perspectives 2026, its 117th Annual Exhibition, showcasing the vibrant and diverse work of women artists from across Victoria. Running from 7 to 18 October at the Victorian Artists Society Galleries in East Melbourne, this highly anticipated exhibition features new works created over the past two years by MSWPS members. Disciplines include painting, printmaking and sculpture, with mediums ranging from oil and acrylic to bronze, ceramics, timber, glass and more.

MSWPS: Changing Perspectives 2026

Location: Frater, McCubbin, & Hammond Galleries

7 Oct 2026 – 18 Oct 2026

Opening: Saturday 10 October, 2.00 pm

Feature Image: Study of Gulsen Ozer, Sue Jarvis

The Society is honoured to announce that Dr Catherine Bell, Professor of Visual Art in the Faculty of Education and Arts at Australian Catholic University (ACU), will serve as one of the judges for this year's exhibition. Catherine is a multidisciplinary artist, academic and curator, and has been Director of the ACU Melbourne Gallery for more than twenty years.

Joining Dr Bell on the judging panel is Erika Gofton, Founder of The Art Room. Erika holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma of Education from the University of Tasmania (UTAS), and has undertaken further study at the University of Oxford and the New York Studio School. Together, they bring a wealth of artistic, educational and curatorial experience to the judging process.

And There Was No Birdsong, Cynthia Boyle

Founded in 1902 by former students of the National Gallery of Victoria Art School, MSWPS is Australia's oldest surviving women's art society. For more than 120 years, the Society has supported women artists through exhibitions, education, community and advocacy. Distinguished past members include Violet Teague, A.M.E. Bale, Ethel Carrick Fox, Sybil Craig, Valda Cumming OAM and Dr Juliette Peers, whose book More Than Just Gumtrees documents the Society's significant contribution to Australian art between 1902 and 1993.

Visitors can also enjoy live artist demonstrations during the exhibition, with Dina Goebel demonstrating on Wednesday 14 October and Steph Wallace on Saturday 17 October. Demonstration times and further information are available on the Society's website.

The official opening and presentation of awards will be held on Saturday 10 October from 2.00 pm across the Frater, McCubbin and Hammond Galleries in the National Trust heritage-listed Victorian Artists Society building. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, view the award-winning works and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women artists in a welcoming and inclusive environment.