Bowness Photography Prize 2026
The Bowness Photography Prize is Australia's richest photography prize, awarded annually by the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) at Wheelers Hill, Victoria. The 2026 cycle is the 21st edition. The prize is named for William and Sandra Bowness, longtime supporters of the museum.
Cash prizes are substantial: a $50,000 AUD main prize plus acquisition of the winning work into MAPh's permanent collection. Two Honourable Mentions receive $2,500 each. The Wai Tang Commissioning Award provides $10,000 toward a future MAPh exhibition. The People's Choice Award is $5,000.
Eligibility is restricted to Australian citizens and permanent residents of at least 12 months' standing. Submissions are limited to still photo-based media, including analogue and digital photography, produced within the past year. AI is permitted only if it is not the substantial or overriding input — fully AI-generated work is excluded.
Each $55 AUD entry covers up to 3 works. Finalists are exhibited at MAPh gallery. The 2026 application window opens April 16; the deadline is June 14, with the winner announced September 17, 2026.
Jury: Natasha Bullock, Senior Curator of Photography, NGV · Petrina Hicks, Artist & Previous Bowness Prize Winner · Anouska Phizacklea, Director, MAPh
Organized by Museum of Australian Photography