Bombala Art Prize

Venue / Location: Bombala Riverside Park, Bombala
Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026

Painting Start Time: Artist Check-in 9:00am; painting event from 10am;

Dinner / Exhibition / Auction: 6.30pm-10pm

Info & tickets: www.bombalaartprize.com

The vibrant colours of autumn will take centre stage in the Snowy Monaro this April as the inaugural 2026 Bombala Art Prize celebrates creativity, community and country.

With a $20,000 prize pool on offer and registrations filling fast, artists from across the South East NSW region and beyond are invited to secure one of the remaining spots in this emerging cultural event.  A youth prize is being donated by Parkers Art Supplies – youth artist registration is free.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Bombala Riverside Park, the 2026 Prize brings together over 100 artists who will paint en plein air along the river throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to watch the creative process unfold as artists capture the colours, textures and atmosphere of the Monaro in autumn.

The festivities continue after dark with an evening of art, food and celebration. Beginning at 6.30pm, the 2026 Bombala Art Prize Exhibition will open its doors, followed by the official Award Dinner, to be opened by acclaimed Australian artist Ben Quilty.

Guests will enjoy plentiful gourmet canapés, biodynamic Krinklewood Estate wine from the Hunter Valley  and locally crafted international award-winning gins from Nine Circles Distillery, while viewing the 2026 exhibition, placing their votes for the People’s Choice Award, and participating in a lively art auction featuring works created during the event.

The Bombala Art Prize aims to strengthen the cultural calendar in South East NSW and to support the growth of creative tourism – drawing visitors to the Monaro region to witness the dazzling autumn colours.

The local community has warmly embraced this event, and generous support has come from sponsors across the Snowy Monaro.  Snowy Hydro funding has enabled painting of the Bombala Exhibition Hall exterior and new lighting for the hall has been care of the Snowy Monaro Regional Councils’ Boco Rock Community Fund.  South East Arts have provided administrative and funding support to the Bombala Arts and Cultural Committee.

Sponsorship from Boyce & Co, Forestry Corporation NSW, The Imperial Hotel, Heritage Guesthouse and Motel Bombala have enabled the Committee to engage local businesses to seamlessly put together the event.

Donations of wine, gin and vodka from Krinklewood Organic Wines and Nine Circles Distillery will pair beautifully with the delectable selection of canapes that will be prepared on the night by Bombala Catering Co.