Sir John Sulman Prize

17 days to go | 2059 views in last 12 months
Applications close
20 March 2026
Announced
8 May 2026
Prize money
AUD $40,000
Location
NSW, Australia
Will you enter this prize?
This is an anonymous survey
I will enter this prize
Undo
8

2025 - 732 entries (30 selected)

2024 - 628 entries (40 selected)

2023 - 673  entries (45 selected)

Awarded for what the judge(s) consider to be the best subject/genre painting and/or murals/mural project executed during the previous two years. The Sulman Prize carries Value: $40,000 (non-acquisitive).

A genre painting is normally a composition representing some aspect or aspects of everyday life, and may feature figurative, still-life, interior or figure-in-landscape themes. A subject painting, in contrast to a genre painting, is idealised or dramatised. Typically, a subject painting takes its theme from history, poetry, mythology or religion. In both cases, however, the style may be figurative, representative, abstract or semi-abstract. A mural is a picture that is affixed directly to a wall or ceiling, as part of an architectural and/or decorative scheme.

Unlike the Wynne and Archibald Prizes, the Sulman is not judged by the trustees but by a judge invited by the trustees.

Venue: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney.

Contact: Art Gallery of New South Wales on tel: (02) 9225 1700 or email: entries@ag.nsw.gov.au.

Summary
Application dates
2 February 2026 - 20 March 2026
Exhibition dates
9 May 2026 - 16 August 2026
Finalists notified
30 April 2026
Eligibility
National Entries
Prize frequency
Annual
Judges
TBA
Prize genre
General
Location
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
NSW
Australia
Prizes
AUD $40,000
Fees
There is a $50 fee for entering the prize.
Last updated
21 December 2025
Prior Winners
2025: Gene A’Hern - Winner ($40,000)
2024: Naomi Kantjuriny - Winner ($40,000)
2023: Doris Bush Nungarrayi - Winner ($40,000)
2022: Claire Healy - Joint winner ($40,000)
2022: Sean Cordeiro - Joint winner ($40,000)
2020: Marikit Santiago - Winner ($40,000)
2019: McLean Edwards - Winner ($50,000)
2018: Kaylene Whiskey - Winner ($50,000)
2017: Joan Ross - Winner ($50,000)
2016: Esther Stewart - Winner ($30,000)