Finalists for the 2026 Environmental Art & Design Prize were announced on 28 May. 47 finalists are from the Northern Beaches.
More than 700 submissions were received from across Australia, highlighting the strength of environmental art and design nationwide and the calibre of artists and designers engaging with issues such as climate change and sustainability.
Bringing these outstanding works and artists to the Northern Beaches is a major opportunity to connect local audiences with some of Australia’s best contemporary creative voices revealing bold ideas at the intersection of art, design and the environment.
Mayor Sue Heins said this year’s submissions were extraordinary and impactful.
“The Environmental Art & Design Prize continues to showcase the incredible creativity and commitment of artists and designers who inspire us to care for our environment,” she said.
“This year’s 170 finalists challenge us to think differently about our world and demonstrate the power of art and design to drive positive change in our communities.”
The finalists highlight a growing crossover between art, science and design thinking, as the finalists draw on geology, ecology, material science, hydrology and speculative futures.
The winners will be announced 7 August.
Finalists’ works will be shown at Manly Art Gallery and Museum and Curl Curl Creative Space from 7 August to 20 September. The exhibition offers visitors the chance to experience diverse creative interpretations of environmental themes and supports ongoing dialogue about sustainability in the arts.
The People’s Choice Award invites the public to vote for their favourite entry, with voting open until 16 September.
View this year’s finalists and explore their works on the council’s website.