Key Dates
Art Prize Launch & Entries Open
12 April 2026
Entries close
30th August 2026
Winners announced
25 October 2026
Exhibition
25 October — 22 November 2026
Prizes
The Bridge Art Prize
$25,000
Acquisitive
Special awards
2 Highly Commended Awards
$2,000 each
People’s Choice Award
$1,000
Juniors Special Award
15-18 years
$1,000
Juniors Special Award
Under 15 years
$500
Categories
Entries are encouraged from established and emerging Tasmanian artists as well as members of the community.
2D
Photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, graffiti
3D
Ceramics, textiles, sculpture, jewellery
Multimedia/Open
This category is more open and allows for a response to the bridge in any art form, such as music, video, animation or poetry.
Special Award Categories
We are also particularly interested in encouraging entries from contractors to the project, and young people.
Because contractors have unique access to the site, they are not eligible for the main acquisitive prize. They can enter work under any of the categories and will be eligible for the Contractor’s Special Award.
Similarly, young people may enter work under any of the categories and will be eligible for the Junior Special Awards.
Partners and Sponsors
McConnell Dowell
McConnell Dowell is the lead contractor for the construction of the New Bridgewater Bridge.
McConnell Dowell is known as the Creative Construction company. They build iconic, landmark assets and deliver major infrastructure projects across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Known for creative construction solutions and their outstanding community engagement, McConnell Dowell, along with their collaborative business associates is partnering with Derwent Valley Arts to fund and run The Bridge Art Prize 2025.
Derwent Valley Arts
Derwent Valley Arts is a community-based, volunteer-run organisation established to enhance Tasmania’s Derwent Valley as a place to live by promoting the arts in the region.
Ecosmart Engage