The 51st Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards

Next date: Saturday, 31 October 2026 | 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM

An exhibition of entries created by established, emerging, and amateur artists Australia-wide, full of colour, following diverse themes.

For more information, visit Art Awards.

Key Dates

Calling for submissions - 6 to 10 October 2026
GRAGM Closed for Installation - 12 October to 30 October 2026
Exhibition Opens – 10am, Saturday 31 October 2026
Judge's Floor Talk and Illustrated Lecture - 10.30am, Saturday 31 October 2026
Official Opening and Awards Presentation - 6pm, Saturday 31 October 2026
Exhibition Closes - 2pm, Saturday 23 January 2027
Collection of Works - 25 to 30 January 2027

2026 Judge

Rachael Parsons, Director of New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM)

History of the awards

Since its inauguration in 1976, the Art Awards have become one of Queensland’s most prestigious regional art events and are eagerly anticipated each year.

Martin Hanson (1923-1976) was a popular and highly respected local businessman who was Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Port Curtis 1963-1976, and patron to the Gladstone Artists Club. As a tribute to his patronage, in conjunction with the Hanson family, the Gladstone Artists Club held the first Martin Hanson Memorial Art Awards and Exhibition in 1976.

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum became the custodian of the Art Awards in 1993.