One of Australia’s most respected and thought-provoking art awards, the 69th Blake Prize, is set to open at the Liverpool Powerhouse, offering a powerful exploration of spirituality, religion and belief through contemporary art and poetry.
Running from 2 May to 14 June 2026, the exhibition brings together 33 artists and artist collectives alongside eight poets, continuing a legacy that has shaped Australia’s cultural landscape since the prize was first established in 1951.
A Platform for Spiritual and Contemporary Expression
Now in its 69th year, the Blake Prize holds a unique place in Australian art by encouraging artists to engage deeply with themes of faith, philosophy and the human condition. Rather than focusing on a single tradition, the exhibition reflects a broad and inclusive understanding of spirituality – encompassing diverse cultural perspectives, personal experiences and evolving interpretations.
This year’s finalists were selected by a distinguished panel including visual artist Claudia Nicholson, academic Chris Fleming and First Nations curator Tess Allas. The judges emphasised that contemporary art continues to approach spiritual questions with openness, rigour and imagination, highlighting the enduring relevance of these themes.
Liverpool: A Cultural Home for the Blake Prize
Since becoming the home of the Blake Prize, Liverpool has played a significant role in strengthening its national impact. The city’s rich multicultural identity – with over 150 nationalities and more than 140 languages – makes it an ideal setting for an exhibition centred on diverse perspectives of belief and culture.
Liverpool City Council’s Tina Bono described the exhibition as bold, engaging and emotionally resonant, noting that it encourages visitors to reflect, connect and engage in meaningful conversations.
Full List of Finalists – 69th Blake Art Prize 2026
The 2026 exhibition features a diverse group of artists from across Australia:
Akil Ahamat (NSW)
Tarik Ahlip (VIC)
Giles Alexander (NSW)
Jiva Parthipan and Zanny Begg (NSW)
Dagmar Cyrulla (VIC)
Christine Dean (NSW)
Tamara Dean (NSW)
Paula do Prado (NSW)
Emma Fielden (NSW)
Todd Fuller (NSW)
Phillip George (NSW)
Croydon Wharéc (NSW)
Morgan Hogg (NSW)
Drew Connor Holland (NSW)
Emily Hunt (NSW)
Delia Juburri (NT)
Cameron Kawurlkku (NT)
Pā’utu-‘O-Vava’u-Lahi, Adriana Māhanga Lear (QLD)
Dr Kirsten Garner Lyttle (VIC)
Enoch Mailangi (NSW)
Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM (ACT)
Vedika Rampal (NSW)
Caroline Rothwell (NSW)
Lauri Smith (NSW)
Nicola Smith (NSW)
EJ Son (NSW)
Ali Tahayori (NSW)
Tony Tran (NSW)
Murat Urlali (NSW)
Bugai Whyoulter (WA)
Prita Tina Yeganeh (QLD)
Sary Zananiri (VIC)
Collective including: Gaius Wapi, Pius Wasi, Joachim Mamambi, and David Bridie, with video artist K. Deverell and cultural artists from Changriman Village, Chambri Lakes (VIC)
Finalists – 2026 Blake Poetry Prize
Allison Browning
Phillippa Cordwell
Adrienne Eberhard
Freshta Nawabi
Kathryn Reese
Omar Sakr
Terri Slanovits
Chen Wang
Awards and Public Engagement
The Blake Prize continues to recognise excellence across multiple categories, including the main Art Prize, the Poetry Prize, the Acquisitive Art Prize and the newly introduced Next Generation Scholarship.
Following the official launch on 1 May 2026, visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, further encouraging public engagement with the exhibition.
A Legacy That Continues to Evolve
Since its founding, the Blake Prize has challenged artists to move beyond traditional religious representation and explore deeper questions of belief, identity and meaning. Today, it embraces a wide range of artistic mediums – from painting and sculpture to digital media, sound and performance – ensuring its continued relevance in contemporary culture.
As the 69th edition opens, the Blake Prize once again reaffirms its position as a leading platform for spiritual and cultural dialogue in Australia – inviting audiences to engage with art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
