PRIZE PATHWAYSA guide for Australian artists
ExplorePrize Pathwaysin either direction
If you have a prize in mind, see where its finalists appeared earlier. Or start with any prize and see where its finalists appeared later. Our most complete finalist records begin in 2020. These are recorded patterns, not recommended steps or predictions.
Explore prize pathwaysWhy this site existsAbout Prize PathwaysRead about the records and how to use them
Many artists want to know which art prizes may help them build experience before applying for a larger prize. It can be difficult to see these connections by looking at individual finalist lists.
Prize Pathways brings these records together. It is designed for Australian artists working in portraiture, landscape, photography and prizes that cover several kinds of art.
Prize Pathways lets you explore art prizes in two directions. If you have a prize in mind, see where its finalists appeared earlier. Or start with any prize and see where its finalists appeared later. These are patterns found in the available records, not recommended steps or predictions.
Most of the finalist records used by this site are from 2020 to 2026. Some earlier records are included, but coverage before 2020 is less complete. This means older pathways may appear less common than they really were.
The results show what happened during the years covered by the available records. They do not predict which artists will be selected in the future.
Art prize history is only one factor. Judges may also consider the artwork itself, its fit with the prize, media coverage, other public exhibitions, timing and eligibility.
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Previous researchPathways to the ArchibaldRead about the earlier pathway diagrams
This site builds on three diagrams published in the Pathways to the Archibald article. The prizes shown there can also be found in the pathway results on this site.
Diagram 1
Archibald Prize, Sir John Sulman Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Award, Paddington/Paddo Painting Prize and The Lester Prize for Portraiture.
Diagram 2
R & M McGivern Art Prize, Geelong Contemporary Art Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Ramsay Art Prize, Sir John Sulman Prize, Paddington/Paddo Painting Prize and Wynne Prize.
Diagram 3
Alice Prize, Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA), Wynne Prize, Portia Geach Memorial Award, Mosman Art Prize and Ravenswood Australian Women's Art Prize.