Dobell Drawing Prize
National Art SchoolThe $30,000 acquisitive prize is presented by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation in partnership with the National Art School. It explores the enduring importance of drawing within contemporary art practice. The winning work enters the National Art School’s significant collection, built over the past 120 years.
“The partnership with NAS, as an educational institution, greatly expands the impact of the Prize, incorporating the exhibition into its academic program, developing public programs including a Drawing Symposium and drawing workshops, adding the prize-winning work to its collection, and touring the exhibition to Regional Galleries with outreach programs for regional visual arts teachers and students.”
Michelle Belgiorno-Nettis, Chair, The Dobell Art Foundation,
“The National Art School is delighted to be working with the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation on this very important Prize and exhibition. Drawing is absolutely central to the National Art School’s curriculum, so the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the many facets of contemporary drawing practice is welcomed. We are very much looking forward to working with the Foundation on the Prize and exhibition and offering artists another forum to explore the dynamic medium of drawing.”
Steven Alderton, Director, National Art School
About the Dobell Drawing Prize
2025
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #24
The Dobell Drawing Prize is Australia’s preeminent exhibition for drawing. It is an unparalleled celebration of technique, innovation and expanded drawing practices.
The $30,000 acquisitive prize is presented by the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation in partnership with the National Art School.
The winning work enters the National Art School’s significant collection, built over the past 120 years.
“Whether it be a scrawled map, a line in the sand, the scratch of a burnt stick across a cave wall or a digital record of the movement of a stylus, that simple evidence of an intentional touch is fundamental to what drawing is. This compulsion to leave a mark is a very human desire, and the profound and extensive potential of drawing emerges from it.”
Dr Maryanne Coutts, Head of Drawing, National Art School
IMPORTANT DATES:
11 April 2025 – 21 June 2025
Exhibition opening and winner announcement: Thursday 10 April 2025
Exhibition open: Friday 11 April – Saturday 21 June 2025, NAS Gallery
2023
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #23
The Dobell Drawing Prize attracts entries from acclaimed artists around the country and explores the enduring importance of drawing within contemporary art practice, in its many different forms and materials.
There are no limitations on medium for the Prize. As well as works on paper, entries that present drawing in alternative formats are invited.
The winner of the 2023 Dobell Drawing Prize is Jane Grealy. The winning work is titled, Maria’s Garden, Scheme 3.
“Drawing is fundamental to the degrees taught at the National Art School and so the Dobell Drawing Prize is an important event for the staff and student community at National Art School.” – Steven Alderton, National Art School Director and CEO
EXHIBITION DATES:
31 March – 10 June 2023
NAS Gallery, Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm
Dobell Drawing Prize 23 Winner Jane Grealy with National Art School Director and CEO Steven Alderton, in front of the winning work, ‘Maria’s Garden, Scheme C’
2021
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #22
The National Art School and the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation invites artists to submit entries in competition for the Dobell Drawing Prize #22. The $30,000 acquisitive prize will be awarded at the opening of the finalists’ exhibition at NAS Gallery on 25 March 2021. To be eligible for selection, artists must read the terms and conditions of entry and complete the steps in the online entry form below. Entries close 5pm, Monday 5 October.
National Art School
2019
DOBELL DRAWING PRIZE #21
The exhibition showcases the finalists’ artworks across a broad range of media that acknowledges the foundational principals of drawing, while also encouraging challenging and expansive approaches to drawing.
National Art School envisions the Prize as a platform for the celebration and examination of current drawing practices. The Prize builds on the energy of both emerging artists who make art through drawing, while also celebrating innovation and technical skill of experienced artists.
Installation view of Dobell Drawing Prize #21. Photo: Peter Morgan
Winner of Dobell Drawing Prize #21 Justine Varga, Photo: Peter Morgan.
Comments from the Judge’s:
“Drawing is a fundamental part of many visual art practices. The winner of the Dobell Drawing Prize #21 uses drawing in the most meaningful and sophisticated way. Her work is a distillation of so many components of our collective lives. Drawing plays a pivotal role in this artist’s exploration of us all. The winning work is a powerful, playful and sophisticated 21st century drawing and a deserved winner.”
Media
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