The Alice Prize 2026 - Pre Selection Panel Member

January 30, 2026

Dr Shelley McSpedden

Woman in pink blazer and burgundy skirt, arms crossed, stands before black and white geometric wall.

Shelley McSpedden is Senior Curator and Head of Exhibitions at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) in Melbourne, where her recent projects have included Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight 2025 (co-curated with Myles Russell-Cook); The Charge That Binds 2024; Tennant Creek Brio: Juparnta Ngattu Minjinypa Iconocrisis 2024 (co-curated with Max Delany, Jessica Clarke and Elyse Goldfinch); Future Remains: The 2024 Macfarlane Commissions 2024; and James Nguyen: Open Glossary 2023. 


Prior to joining ACCA, she was Senior Curator and Acting Artistic Director at Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), where she oversaw the inaugural exhibition program for the new purpose-built, landmark museum in 2021. Shelley has also held curatorial roles at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) and National Exhibitions Touring Support (NETS), as well as academic appointments at Monash University and RMIT. She has written extensively on contemporary art and edited several art publications. Shelley holds a PhD from the Art History and Theory program at Monash University.

February 10, 2026
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 
Man in blue shirt and black jacket smiles in front of a colorful abstract painting.
January 30, 2026
Sebastian Goldspink
Woman wearing glasses and black cardigan, standing in front of a white wall.
December 2, 2025
Dr Mary Knights