Art on Show: A National Competition
The Significance of Woollam Art on Show Awards & Exhibition
The Woollam Art on Show Awards & Exhibition has become the cultural powerhouse of fine art in Mackay and Central Queensland! The Awards achieved record-breaking entries in 2023 and a strengthened reputation in 2024.
This historical and well-recognised event attracts entries from established and emerging artists across Australia. Judged by prominent figures from renowned galleries and museums like the Queensland Art Gallery and National Galleries of Victoria and NSW and the National Gallery of Australia, it’s no wonder that it has gained national recognition.
In late 2024, the Mackay Show Association handed over the running of the Woollam Art on Show Awards & Exhibition to the Mackay Art Society, a not-for-profit, incorporated and community focused organisation. Having run its own annual art competition and exhibition for over 40 years, the Art Society has the passion, expertise and experience to host a national exhibition of this significance.
There is a committee of 12 and many other volunteers working together to ensure its success. Mackay Art Society is most appreciative of the support and advocacy of Art Space Mackay and Mackay City Regional Council.
In its 19th year, the Art on Show Awards launches in the first week of August 2025. The four-day showcase aims to promote professionalism in the arts and engage young people in the spirit of competition and excellence. The Art on Show Awards & Exhibition will also form an integral part of Mackay’s Festival of the Arts program.
The principal goals of the Art on Show Awards are to:
- continue to seek and encourage a very significant level of participation from artists nation wide
- provide a high standard of presentation where art may be viewed and studied
- play an integral part in the cultural future of our region
- provide an educational role in raising awareness and participation within the Arts
- provide a high-profile arts prize that recognises diversity and excellence
Mackay Art Society is committed to ensure that the Art on Show Awards & Exhibition continues to provide a well-recognised event, celebrating excellence in fine art for Mackay and Central Queensland.
Overall Winner – 2024
Artist: Bradley Shot
Title of Work: Plein Air Study – Eungella
Sliding Screen and top Image credit: Jim Cullen,
Photographer | www.jimcullen.com.au
Artist Image in header:
Jet James, Moon Whispers
Our Valued Sponsors
The Art on Show Awards would not be possible without the incredible support of our generous sponsors and in-kind partners from local businesses and industries. Their unwavering commitment not only brings this prestigious event to life but also nurtures the vibrant artistic heartbeat of our region.
We are profoundly grateful for their dedication, which empowers our community to celebrate creativity, talent, and cultural enrichment.
It goes without saying that Craig Percival, Managing Director of Woollam Constructions has continued to provide unwavering support and enthusiasm for the Arts in the Mackay Region. We give our heart-felt thanks to Craig for his offer of Platinum Sponsorship in 2025. Hence, the iconic title of the Woollam Art on Show & Exhibition is well recognised.
A special thank you must be given to the Mackay Show Association for its generosity in providing the 500 Pavilion at the Mackay Showgrounds for this year. We very much look forward to the ongoing support of the Mackay Show Association in years to come.
To our valued Sponsors – thank you for making the Woollam Art on Show Awards a shining success and an enduring testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit
