Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition Finalists Announced

The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition is set to take place 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo credit: Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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The countdown is on, with the finalists now announced for the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition, inviting visitors to look beyond the surface through a vibrant showcase of artistic talent from across the Whitsundays and beyond.

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Returning from 30 July to 2 August at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, this year's exhibition will showcase 85 outstanding artworks by 66 artists, each responding to the exhibition theme, Beyond Beauty. Through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media, artists have interpreted the theme in thoughtful, surprising and deeply personal ways, revealing stories and perspectives that go far beyond first impressions.

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Now in its third year, and hosted by Creative Connections Whitsunday, the exhibition has firmly established itself as one of the cultural highlights of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, attracting artists from across the region and becoming a popular festival experience for locals and visitors alike.

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This year also sees six finalists aged between 16 and 18 recognised as part of the exhibition. We're delighted to welcome the next generation of artists and celebrate the emerging creative talent coming through in our region.

Selecting the finalists was no easy task. A curatorial panel comprising acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM, and Caz Hanks, Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College, carefully reviewed every entry before selecting this year's exhibition.

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Every finalist will now be in contention for the prestigious $3,000 Whitsunday Regional Council Acquisitive Art Prize, with the winning artwork becoming part of Council's permanent collection.

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Highly respected artist and judge Glenda Hobdell will travel to the Whitsundays to determine this year's major award winners:

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“Beyond Beauty presents an invitation for artists and audiences to look deeper -- to discover the ideas, experiences and emotions that enrich artistic expression. I’m eager to see works that surprise, challenge and inspire viewers through their originality and authenticity,” said Glenda Hobdell.

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The exhibition officially opens with the Awards Night on Thursday 30 July from 6.30pm, where this year's prize winners will be announced. The evening is free to attend and everyone is welcome to celebrate the region's artistic talent.

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The exhibition is open every day until Sunday 2 August, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to experience the collection at their own pace. Visitors can also vote for their favourite artwork in the Bendigo Community Bank People's Choice Award, with the winner announced at 4.00pm on Sunday 2 August.

Adding another dimension to this year's exhibition are three special community artworks that explore the Beyond Beauty theme from an environmental and community perspective. Entries from Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS textile artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council highlight the hidden impacts of marine debris, celebrate the power of creative collaboration, and encourage visitors to look beneath the surface of beauty to consider the environmental challenges facing our region and the Great Barrier Reef.

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Whether you're an art lover, a visitor to the region, or simply looking for something memorable to experience during the Great Barrier Reef Festival, this year's exhibition promises an exceptional showcase of creativity, imagination and regional talent.

With an outstanding field of finalists now confirmed, all that's left is to discover who will take home this year's major awards.

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What: Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition
When: Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach

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