44th The Alice Prize

The Alice Prize is an acquisitive national contemporary art award that celebrates artists working in any medium or theme from across the nation.

During its more than 50-year history, The Alice Prize has become one of the most significant national regional art prizes.

The Alice Prize is pre-selected and judged by industry experts and provides the opportunity for artists to exhibit in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the cultural heart of Australia.

for more information visit: www.aliceprize.com

Winner of The Alice Prize 2026

Helen Tyalmuty McCarthy, Bush honey 2025, synthetic polymer paint on linen

At the start of the Dry season, we care for Country by performing burn offs. When termite mounds are burned, we gather bush honey, a simpler task than collecting from trees, no axes needed. The men also collect wax from inside the mounds, used around didgeridoo mouthpieces. The white in the painting represents the ash from the Dry, while the orange symbolises the internal patterns of the mounds, where both honey and wax are found.

Highly Commended 

Jade Eberl, Stolen moments 2025, soft pastel on pastelmat

The girls begged to stay in the room while mum napped. Life was busy, Surreptitiously, family time had sneakily dwindled to snatched moments in which being near was enough. "we promise we will be quiet", they begged. Their arms were full of colouring pencils and books, the family's usual 'quiet time activities'. True to their promise, Mum woke to gentle words and covered giggles, whispered at the edge of the bed.

This piece started as a challenge. How can I recreate something that sparkles and is so detailed? Over 18 months it developed into so much, much more. It became an opportunity to reflect on what I value most; that is, my family. It made me realise if we are not careful, life can pull us away from that which means the most to us. I feel love and happiness in the smallest moments shared with family and friends. It's in the laughter between two friends, or the cuddles on the couch with a child. It's listening to a teens problem and feeling blessed that they feel safe to share. This painting displays one of many moments that bring my life meaning and joy.

Winner of The Alice Prize 2024

Fiona Foley Janjari 2022, digital media (17 mins)