Picture: ‘Ocean Star’ by Frances Hunt
Following the success of the 2025 Jubilee Art Prize, the Diocese of Lismore is pleased to announce the 2026 Diocesan Art Prize.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD said that the art prize’s theme, the face of compassion, provides artists with the opportunity to recognise the heart of the Catholic Church.
“Compassion lies at the heart of the Gospel and the mission of the Church. It is seen in Christ’s encounters with the vulnerable, outcast, and broken, and it continues to be lived out in the Church today,” Bishop Greg said. “I invite you to use your artistic talents to help recognise the face of compassion in our world today,”
This year, the art prize will host exhibitions at Crowley Care, St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Ballina; St Augustine’s Catholic Church, Coffs Harbour; and All Saints Catholic Church, Kempsey. The final exhibition and awards ceremony will be held at St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore.
The Diocesan Art Prize is open to artists of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels who are parishioners within the Diocese of Lismore. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- 0-7 years
- 8-12 years
- 13-17 years
- 18+ years
- Group prize
- People’s Choice Awards (awarded at the three exhibitions and the final exhibition)
