Entries open for 2025 Flanagan Art Prize

Entries are now open for the St Patrick’s College Flanagan Art Prize, which returns as a major competition and exhibition in 2025.

Held annually since 2008 before pivoting to a residency in 2019, this highly regarded acquisitive art competition celebrates emerging and established artists across many contemporary art forms.

The 2025 competition sees the return of the major exhibition of shortlisted works and an acquisitive prize alongside increased prize values and categories, with a total of $18,000 on offer across six categories.

It also introduces the inaugural Young Flanagan Prize and Clontarf Academy Prize, allowing secondary school-aged students across Australia to showcase their creative talents.

St Patrick’s College Principal Steven O’Connor said the return of the Flanagan Art Prize was exciting for not only the College, but the wider community.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the return of the Flanagan Art Prize as a major competition and exhibition after pivoting to a residency in 2019. This highly regarded event not only showcases outstanding artistic talent from across Australia but also enriches our school community by exposing our students to the transformative power of the arts,” he said.

Named after distinguished St Patrick’s College alumnus Noel Flanagan AO (SPC 1932-36), former Director and Curator of the Australian War Memorial, the prize reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to fostering artistic talent and exposing its students to the fine arts.

Each year, the College acquires the main prize-winning artwork, building an impressive collection that inspires its students and the wider community. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited in a special exhibition, with the opening gala and awards ceremony to take place on Friday, 21 March 2025. The exhibition will be open to the public throughout the weekend, offering all works for sale.

Flanagan Art Prize coordinator Wendy Sheridan is looking forward to a broad range of entries.

“We’ve had previous winners in many different mediums and themes, so we are excited about the variety of contemporary art in Australia and bringing some of the best of it to exhibit in Ballarat,” she said.

The Flanagan Art Prize welcomes 2D and 3D works of any medium* created within two years of the closing date. With a top prize of $10,000, this competition presents a significant opportunity for emerging and established artists alike to gain national recognition.

In addition to the main prize, a $5,000 Panel Prize and a $1,000 People’s Choice Award will be awarded. Prizes are also on offer to Australian secondary school students and Clontarf Academy students.

*The competition cannot accept film, video, sound, or performance artwork. For organic or ephemeral materials, artists should check with the organisers before submitting.

Key dates:

• Entries Open: 15 October 2024
• Entries Close: 7 February 2025
• Shortlist Announced: 21 February 2025
• Opening Gala and Awards Ceremony: 21 March 2025
• Exhibition Open: 22 – 23 March 2025

To enter, follow this link.