Ipswich’s thriving creative community has taken centre stage at the Ipswich Art Awards 2026, with winners announced and nearly 500 artworks showcased as part of one of the city’s most celebrated cultural events.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said more than 340 artists entered this year’s awards, with over half of all entrants calling Ipswich home as the awards continued to extend their reach.
“The Ipswich Art Awards recognise artistic excellence while also celebrating the important contribution artists make to the cultural life of our city,” Mayor Harding said.
“Now in its 26th year, the awards program continues to provide an important platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work, develop their practice and connect with audiences.
“This year’s awards saw close to 500 artworks entered by more than 340 artists across nine award categories, showcasing an extraordinary range of ideas, stories and perspectives.
“While more than half of this year’s entrants call Ipswich home, this year’s awards have also attracted artists from Brisbane, Logan and further afield, stretching from the Sunshine Coast to the Southern Downs.
“This highlights Ipswich’s growing reputation as a key destination for arts and culture.”
Mayor Harding said this year’s coveted Best in Show was awarded to I used to sleep. Now I just am., an acrylic painting by Vika Fifita.
“Judges noted they were particularly impressed by the authenticity and originality of the work,” Mayor Harding said.
“In their citation, the judges described the work as fresh and engaging, highlighting its sophisticated use of pattern, colour and layered composition.”
The Ipswich Art Awards 2026 category winners are:
- Drawing and pastels: Ipswich artist Rose Bradfield, Moran Falls
- Mixed media: Sue Gordon, Rust and ruin
- New media: Ashton Bernhardt, The show goes on
- Painting acrylic: Richard Hammond, Burgers
- Painting oil: Justina Grocott, Some silken moment
- Painting watercolour: Ipswich artist Wooyeun Yoo, Dancing butterfly, blossoming dreams
- Print making (not digital): Ipswich artist Clayton McIntosh, Easily holding your breath under water
- Photography: Paula Petherick, The Kookaburra
- Three dimensions: Ken Kikkawa, United Vase III
Mayor Harding thanked judges, Sophie Chapman, Curator at The Condensery Somerset Regional Art Gallery, and Andrea Higgins, Exhibitions Coordinator at Museums and Galleries Queensland.
“We were fortunate to have two respected industry leaders, Sophie Chapman and Andrea Higgins, take on the challenging task of choosing winners from such an outstanding field of entries,” Mayor Harding said.
The Ipswich Art Awards 2026 Exhibition will be open to the public free of charge on Level 1 of the Ipswich City Council Administration Building, 1 Nicholas Street, from 7 to 14 November 2026 from 10am to 4pm daily.
For more information about the Ipswich Art Awards visit Shapeyouripswich.com.au/ipswich-art-awards
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