Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 Winners Announced

Argon Law was proud to join artists, supporters and members of the Sunshine Coast community at the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 Winners Announcement held at Caloundra Regional Gallery on 24 September 2026.

As a major sponsor of the Prize for more than eight years, supporting the arts remains an important part of our commitment to the Sunshine Coast community. The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize continues to showcase outstanding contemporary Australian art while creating meaningful connections between artists, audiences and place.

This year’s Major Prize winner was We are still creating ourselves II (2026), a collaborative work by renowned artists Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri (c. 1962-2026) and Michael Eather. The acrylic on canvas work was awarded the prestigious $25,000 acquisitive prize and will become part of the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

The winning artwork represents more than 25 years of artistic collaboration between the two artists. Its rich patterns, lines and colours bring together distinct artistic traditions and perspectives, creating an interconnected landscape that explores imagination, culture, place and belonging.

Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri, a significant Pintupi artist from Western Australia, became widely known after emerging from the Western Desert with his family, known as the Pintupi Nine, in 1984. That same year, Michael Eather travelled across Australia before beginning a career that would establish him as one of Queensland’s most respected contemporary artists. While each developed independent practices, they maintained a collaborative relationship spanning more than two decades, resulting in works that bridge culture, geography and storytelling.

The announcement event was a fitting celebration of artistic excellence and creative connection. Argon Law Director John Gallagher and team attended alongside VIP guests, gallery representatives, artists and community leaders to recognise the achievements of this year’s finalists and winners. The evening highlighted the important role the arts play in enriching the cultural life of the Sunshine Coast and bringing people together through shared experiences.

Pictured: John Gallagher and the Argon Law team with artist Michael Eather in front of the winning artwork, We are still creating ourselves II, at the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 Winners Announcement. Photo: Sarah Jane Smith, Your Life Photography.

Pictured (left to right): Sunshine Coast Councillor David Law, Caloundra Regional Gallery Director Jo Duke, artist Michael Eather, SCNAP 2026 judge Rhana Devenport ONZM and Argon Law Director John Gallagher at the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 Winners Announcement. Photo: Sarah Jane Smith, Your Life Photography.

Congratulations to Michael Eather and the late Kumanjayi (Walala) Tjapaltjarri, along with all finalists and award recipients. We are honoured to continue supporting an event that celebrates creativity, cultural exchange and artistic excellence on the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize 2026 exhibition remains open at Caloundra Regional Gallery until 11 October 2026 and features works from 40 finalists from across Australia. Visit the Caloundra Regional Gallery to find out more.