arts

First Nations artists among finalists in prestigious Hadley's Art Prize

Phoebe Blogg Published May 5, 2026 at 4.30pm (AWST)

Guests at a previous years Hadley's Art Prize exhibition. Image: Hadley's Art Prize.

Several First Nations artists are among the finalists in the Hadley's Art Prize announced on Tuesday.

Works of the 27 finalists in the esteemed $100,000 acquisitive landscape prize will be presented in an exhibition at Hadley's Orient Hotel August 1-23, with the winning work announced July 31.

Selected for the best portrayal of the Australian landscape, this year's finalists represent emerging and established artists from across Australia working across a wide array of mediums including painting, printmaking, photography, and works made from earth pigments and botanical inks.

First Nations artists Betty Muffler, Mia Boe, Brenda Croft, Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni, and Robert Fielding are among the finalists.

Imants Tillers, has also been named as a finalist, thanks to his submission PIKILYI. The work celebrates his long creative relationship with the late Warlpiri Elder Michael Nelson Jagamara, depicting the sacred site of Jagamara's conception.

*Michelle Pulatuwayu Woody Minnapinni, Ngiya Murrakupupuni (My Country), Locally sourced earth pigments on linen, 2025. (Image: supplied)*

This year, the 2026 judging panel of art specialists is comprised of acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Abdul Abdullah, art historian and writer Judith Ryan AM, and Sarah Wallace, curator at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

"It has been a privilege to judge the Hadley's Art Prize, and equally, to be trusted to engage with so many remarkable artworks," the 2026 judging panel said in a joint statement.

"The finalist selection speaks powerfully to the diversity of approaches to landscape today, while reflecting the depth of commitment among both emerging and senior artists working across Australia.

"Judging the Hadley's Art Prize has been an enriching experience, one that offered a broader and more nuanced understanding of the extraordinary range of artistic voices dedicated to the practice of making art. It was, above all, a joy, and we very much look forward to seeing the finalists' artworks in person."

Dr Amy Jackett, curator of the Hadley's Art Prize said this year's finalists reflect the diversity of contemporary Australian landscape art.

"This year's finalists reflect the wonderful diversity of contemporary Australian landscape art," she said.

"The finalists showcase artists at every stage of their careers, each bringing a unique perspective to the 2026 Hadley's Art Prize.

"Hadley's Orient Hotel has a long and rich history linked to art since the late 1800s, and it's a testament to the enduring strength of this prize that it continues to attract such exceptional talent from across the country. I think visitors will find plenty to be moved and inspired by."

*Mia Boe, That Which Persists, Oil and acrylic on linen, 2026. (Image: supplied)*

The grand historic Hadley's Orient Hotel has a rich history interwoven with art, from early landlords in the 1800s who were passionate art collectors to major exhibitions in the 1920s and '30s.

Current majority owners of Hadley's Orient Hotel, Don Neil and Annette Reynolds, founded the Hadley's Art Prize on the 90th anniversary of the first solo exhibition held at the hotel (a series of landscape paintings by John Eldershaw).

Their aim is to celebrate the work of contemporary Australian landscape artists and build an art collection to be enjoyed by visitors to the hotel all year round.

Alongside the Major Prize of $100,000, there is the $10,000 Residency Prize, the $2,500 People's Choice Award, the $1,000 Packing Room Prize, $1,500 worth of prizes for students, and the newly introduced IAS Fine Art Logistics prize of $2,000.

This year's finalists will also receive two nights' free accommodation at the Hadley's Orient Hotel.

The 27 finalists are Kelsey Ashe, Natasha Bieniek, Mia Boe ,Joe Blundell, Harrison Bowe, Betty Campbell, Brenda Croft, Ken Done, Robert Fielding, Grace Gladdish, Linda Greedy, Miranda Hampson, George Kennedy, Melissa Kenihan, Ann Lane, Bronte Leighton-Dore, Kim Leutwyler, Alice Mannheim, Julian Meagher, Michelle Pulatuwayu, Woody Minnapinni, Betty Muffler, Agnes Rubuntja, Todd Simpson, Imants Tillers, Luke Wagner, Bugai Whyoulter and Philip Wolfhagen.

The selected winner will be announced on the 31st of July 2026.

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