Immerse yourself in the practice of painting ‘en plein air ‘at the Bombala Art Prize on Saturday, 18 April 2026.

Set against the autumnal backdrop of Bombala Riverside Park, this event invites artists to capture nature’s beauty where you encounter it. Let the vibrant colour in the country inspire your brushstrokes.

There are limited artist registration places so get in quick!

Event Program

• From 9.00am: Artist check-in opens at the Bombala Riverside Park swimming pool car park.

• From 9.30am: Pre-ordered lunch boxes can be collected

• 10.00am: “En Plein Air” painting event begins, select a spot around the riverside walk and settle in! Guests and families are welcome to explore the riverside and watch the artists in action.

• 4.00pm: Works to be handed in to the curator at the Bombala Exhibition grounds hall for hanging.

On the day…

• Artists who book ahead online can order a pre-made lunchbox to be collected on check in. 

• There will be a coffee van located on site.

• Visitors who are not painting are also welcome to come and spend the day exploring the riverside track and watch the artists in action. 

• To be eligible for the prize artists must purchase an Award Dinner ticket and attend the Award Presentation.

• Read full Terms & Conditions

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible for the prize, all paintings must be handed into the stewards at the Bombala Exhibition Hall by 4PM at the latest. No late entries will be accepted.

• 6.30pm: Exhibition opens - Grab a glass, view the artworks from the day and cast your vote.

• 6.45pm: Dinner is served - Enjoy the plentiful gourmet canapés during the exhibition, provided by Bombala Catering Co. Purchase a biodynamic wine from Krinklewood Estate (Hunter Valley), or an award-winning Nine Circles gin or vodka, locally distilled in Pambula.

• 7.45pm: 
  Voting closes.
  Award Dinner is opened by Ben Quilty

• 8.00pm: Winners are announced

• 8.30pm: Art Auction for works available to purchase. Artworks not for sale or unsold must be collected on the night.

• 10.00pm: Last drinks and event concludes.

On the night:

On presenting your ticket each dinner attendee will receive a single ballot. Cast your vote for your favourite work. Voting will close at 7.45pm, at which time the votes will be counted.

After the Award Presentation, artists are invited to register their painting in the Art Auction.  Dinner attendees will be given the opportunity to take home an original artwork from the inaugural Bombala Art Prize event!! 

The bar will remain open until 10.00pm so that guests can stay, enjoy the music and catch up with friends, artists and visitors. 

All proceeds from the registrations, tickets, art sale commissions and bar sales will go towards sustaining the Bombala Art Prize as an annual event.

All artworks must be collected on the night either by the purchaser or the artist.

Registered artists are invited to sell their paintings created on the day in the Art Auction. 

Dinner attendees will be given the opportunity to take home an original artwork from the inaugural Bombala Art Prize event!! 

• 4PM at the latest. To be eligible for the prize, all paintings must be handed into the stewards at the Bombala Exhibition Hall. Early submissions are encouraged!
  No late entries will be accepted.

• 6.30 pm: Doors open for Exhibition viewing.

• 8.30pm: Art Auction commences.

• 10.00pm: Auction concludes. All artwork must be collected by this time.

On the night:

The bar will remain open until 10.00pm so that guests can stay, enjoy the music and catch up with friends, artists and visitors. 

People who purchase an artwork must pay for and collect artwork on the night.

Artworks that are not for sale or unsold must be collected on the night.

All proceeds from the registrations, tickets, art sale commissions and bar sales will go towards sustaining the Art Prize.