The Alice Prize 2026 - JUDGE
December 2, 2025
Dr Mary Knights
Dr Mary Knights is Senior Curator of Art at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Prior to that she was Director of the South Australian School of Art Gallery (SASA Gallery) at the University of South Australia. Mary has worked in the Australian arts sector for over twenty-five years and has held curatorial, arts management, and academic positions. She has written extensively about Australian art including co-authoring Hossein Valamanesh: Out of Nothingness with Ian North, and Irrunytju Arts based on twenty months in the field.
Yesterday, the Selection Panel completed the challenging and rewarding task of reviewing the 340 entries for The Alice Prize 2026, and we are excited to announce 63 works have been selected as finalists for this year’s exhibition. On behalf of the Alice Springs Art Foundation, I extend our warm thanks to the Selection Panel, who generously volunteered their time over the weekend to undertake this significant task. Their thoughtful consideration, dedication, and professionalism are greatly appreciated, We also appreciate the effort taken by all artists who entered. The depth, diversity, and strength of the submissions made this year’s selection process both inspiring and demanding. We are deeply grateful for the time, care, and creative commitment shown by every artist who shared their work with us. Congratulations to the finalists whose works will be exhibited in The Alice Prize 2026. We look forward to sharing your work with audiences and celebrating your achievements. As we now turn our attention toward the exhibition and opening night on Friday 27 March 2026, anticipation is building. We look forward to welcoming artists, supporters, and the wider community to come together to celebrate contemporary art in Central Australia. With thanks and warm regards, President Alice Springs Art Foundation
Emma Bitmead
Sebastian Goldspink
Dr Shelley McSpedden