This annual highlight challenges VAS artists to reimagine classic subjects and techniques through a contemporary lens, blending time honoured practices with modern creativity. Experience works that honour the past while embracing the present in this dynamic celebration of artistic evolution. Whether through innovative composition, subject matter or technique, each piece reflects a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and today.

This exhibition is generously sponsored by the George Hicks Foundation with a total prize pool of $7,500.

First Prize: $3000; Second: $1000; Third: $500

First Prize Sculpture: $2000; Second: $700; Third: $300

Highly Commended Awards may also be presented.

2026 VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition Prize Winners:

• First Prize: Fred Toumayan for Enough is Enough

• Second Prize: Karen Van Ulzen for The Birch Weeps

• Third Prize: Thomas Bladon for Turning Back

• Highly Commended: Nick Scholes for So Much Distance amongst Extreme Conditions

• Highly Commended: Paul Laspagis for Forest Transfiguration

• Highly Commended: Zulu for Fibonacci Connection

• First Prize Sculpture: Olivia Jane for You Left the Light on, Sweetie

• Second Prize Sculpture: Marija Patterson for Contemplating a New Beginning

• Third Prize Sculpture: D'Arcy Rouillard for Extremis

• Highly Commended Sculpture: It Hao Pheh for Balloon Blower Machine

• Curator's Award: Nathan Thompson for Study of a Selkie Dress