Time to start preparing for this year’s Martin Hanson Art Awards
Published on 26 August 2026
Six weeks remain for artists and creatives to prepare their own unique masterpieces for entry in The 51st Rio Tinto & QAL Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.
Held since 1976, the Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards remain one of regional Queensland’s most prestigious art awards.
Thanks to the ongoing and generous support of local businesses as well as our major sponsors Rio Tinto and Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL), the Art Awards offers a total prize pool of more than $40,000 with a first prize of $15,000 awarded to the Overall Winner.
Gladstone Region Councillor Mellissa Holzheimer said now is the perfect time to start preparing ahead of the call for entries period that will take place in early October.
IMAGE: Cr Mellissa Holzheimer at last year's Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.
“Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum (GRAGM) will accept entries from 10am to 4pm between 6-9 October and from 10am until 1pm on Saturday 10 October,” Councillor Holzheimer said.
“The Awards Night will be held on Saturday 31 October with public voting for the QAL People’s Choice Awards opening at the same time.
“The Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards has been a mainstay of the Central Queensland art scene for more than half a century and remains one of the most anticipated events on the Gladstone Region social calendar.”
Key Dates
Calling for submissions: Tuesday 6 October to Saturday 10 October at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum (GRAGM) – Cnr Goondoon St and Bramston St, Gladstone Central
GRAGM closed for installation: Monday 12 October and Friday 30 October
Exhibition opens: 10am, Saturday 31 October
Judge’s Floor Talk and Illustrated Lecture: 10.30am, Saturday 31 October
VIP Sponsor Night: 5pm, Saturday 31 October
Official Opening and Awards Presentation: 6pm, Saturday 31 October
QAL People’s Choice Awards Voting opening: from 7pm, Saturday 31 October 2026
QAL People’s Choice Awards Voting closing: at 2pm, Saturday 23 January 2027
QAL People’s Choice Awards Winner Announcements: 9am, Friday 29 January 2027
Exhibition closes: 2pm, Saturday, 23 January 2027
Collection of Works: Monday 25 to Saturday, 30 January 2027 (excluding Australia Day public holiday on January 26).
Visit gragm.qld.gov.au/art-awards for more information about The 51st Rio Tinto & QAL Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards.