About
The Alice Prize
The Alice Prize: why it matters here
The Alice Prize is a national, acquisitive contemporary art prize - open to artists from every corner of Australia and across every medium and theme. Our purpose is celebratory and practical: to bring outstanding new work to Central Australia so local audiences - artists, students, families and visitors - can see, think with and debate the ideas shaping Australian culture right now. Each acquisition strengthens our significant regional public collection, ensuring high calibre works remain accessible in Central Australia.
An important part of the event is the Tammy Kingsley Memorial Award, which provides The Alice Prize audience an opportunity to vote for the ‘People’s Choice’ prize, inspiring strong discussion and sometimes years-long debate. Often in stark contradiction with the judge’s pick!
Staging a national prize in a remote town is more than symbolism - it’s cultural equity in action. The Northern Territory has some of the nation’s most engaged arts audiences, yet distance still limits access to fresh work from the rest of Australia. The Alice Prize bridges that gap by inviting artists from elsewhere to send their latest and bravest, bringing momentum and variety into our region, rather than expecting Central Australians to go out to find it.
Hosted biennially by the Alice Springs Art Foundation, The Alice Prize next runs in March 2026.
Celebrating 50 years
The Alice Prize and the Alice Springs Art Foundation were set up in 1970 to bring contemporary art from across Australia to Alice Springs for the benefit of its isolated, arts-hungry residents. The first exhibition was held on 3 October 1970.
Our story: the Alice Springs Art Foundation (ASAF)
Back in 1969, a spirited group of locals led by businessman and MLA Bernie Kilgariff launched a bold idea: a national art prize that would bring contemporary Australian art right to the heart of outback Australia in Alice Springs. The very first exhibition, held on 3 October 1970 at Blatherskite Park in one of the Show pavilions, drew 207 entries and sparked an ongoing tradition powered by volunteers, optimism and community pride.
From those energetic beginnings, The Alice Prize became acquisitive in 1971, introduced expert pre‑selection in 1990, went online during COVID, adopted blind finalist selection in 2026 and has run biennially since 2002. Today, 195 artworks acquired through the Prize have been gifted to the people of Alice Springs and are housed at Araluen Arts Centre, forming a living, growing public collection.
The Alice Springs Art Foundation is still a not‑for‑profit, volunteer‑run membership organisation. We take great pride in continuing to bring The Alice Prize carefully stewarding new acquisitions so they can be enjoyed, argued over and loved - for generations.
Thank you to all who help
We simply couldn’t run the prize or acquire our collection without the amazing help of so many people, businesses, government support and philanthropists over the years.
volunteers, innovators and unsung heroes
First and foremost we need to mention the groundbreakers, and those who willingly chipped in, with more than 50 years worth of ongoing contribution and effort. Without any notion of naming rights, 15 minutes of fame or record in the annals of history, these community minded individuals have kept the creative legacy of Alice Springs alive and thriving.
You have our enduring praise.
entrants, fi nalists, winners
Our gratitude is endless for the creative artists who tackle self doubt head on, committing bravely and presenting your work to the judgement of a wider audience. We truly appreciate your willingness to do so, without your grit there would be no prize.
Many thanks.
sponsors, philanthropists, and those persuaded into supporting us
Whether you have been badgered by a Board member, are honouring an artist known to you, signed pen to paper on a grant application, or are simply a keen believer in the positive contribution of human creativity - we thank you.
In every way, financial and in-kind sponsorship matters. It is evidence that what we are trying to achieve is worthwhile and relevant, it keeps us going in more ways than one. Special mention must be given to Tammy Kingsley’s father, who made a substantial bequest in 1999, honoring her love of the arts and the Foundation.
You have our everlasting appreciation.
Alice Springs Art Foundation members and board
