- Four Victorian sculptors selected as finalists in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026
- Main prize $60,000
- Public voting opens today in the Civic Choice Award 2026
- Two-week residencies offered at Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Today the four finalists in the $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 have been announced; one of Australia’s most valuable and respected art awards. The finalists are:
James Geurts Eliza Hutchison Vipoo Srivilasa Isadora Vaughan
The 2026 judging panel comprises three leading arts professionals: Maree Clarke artist, Max Delany independent curator, writer and consultant, and Sophie Oxenbridge, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Victoria.
Judge’s Statement: “The eighth triennial Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture highlights the vital role
sculpture plays in shaping our experience of urban space and the diverse communities that define public life. This year’s finalists engage with the public realm across physical, social and digital environments, exploring time, material transformation, cultural identity, environmental forces and technologically mediated worlds. Selecting only four finalists was challenging given the calibre of entries, and we thank all artists for their insight and imagination. We are pleased to announce James Geurts, Eliza Hutchison, Vipoo Srivilasa and Isadora Vaughan, whose practices demonstrate sculpture’s capacity to reshape contemporary environments.”
The Prize is open to Victorian artists at all career stages working across expanded forms of sculpture and will support the professional development of the winning artist.
Melbourne Prize Trust Executive Director and Founder, Simon Warrender OAM said, “the calibre of entrants this year in the Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture made the judges process challenging. This year’s prize program is made possible by the generous support of our patrons and partners,” he said.
Supported by Major Patron, The Vera Moore Foundation, the $60,000 (incl. GST) Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2026 will be awarded to a Victorian sculptor to directly benefit their artistic career and professional development.
Fed Square will provide $1,000 to each non-winning finalist.
Falls Creek Sculptors Residencies 2026 is supported by Falls Creek Alpine Resort and consists of two separate 14-day residencies, one to each of two recipients. Each recipient will receive $1,000 (incl. GST) supported by the Melbourne Prize Trust.
From 13-26 November, Founding Event Partner Fed Square will host a public information exhibit showcasing the four Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture finalists and online interviews with finalists, judges and partners. Visitors will be able to vote for the $2,000 (incl. GST) Civic Choice Award 2026.
