The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize, hosted by the Australian Photographic Society (APS) and Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, invites photographers to explore the intersection of abstraction and emotion through their lenses. This annual competition focuses on conceptual photography, challenging artists to illustrate ideas or narratives beyond literal representation. With a top prize of $30,000 AUD and acquisition into the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, the contest rewards innovation in photographic art.
Open to Australian residents aged 16+, the prize emphasizes works created within the last 12 months, excluding pieces previously exhibited at Muswellbrook Art Gallery. Submissions may blend photographic techniques with mixed media or three-dimensional elements, provided the core remains rooted in photography. Key dates include a submission deadline of June 14, 2025, followed by finalist announcements and an exhibition running from August 14 to October 11, 2025.
The finalists gain exposure through a curated exhibition and potential sales. An entry fee of $45 per submission applies, with no cap on the number of entries. For photographers seeking institutional recognition and a place among the best photography challenges to participate in, the 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize provides a unique avenue to showcase conceptual narratives.
The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize Prizes
The $30,000 acquisitive prize is the cornerstone of this competition. The winning work becomes part of the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection, offering long-term visibility and institutional validation. This acquisition is particularly valuable for emerging artists aiming to build credibility in the art world.
Finalists also benefit from:
- Exhibition Exposure: Display at Muswellbrook Art Gallery, a respected regional venue.
- Sales Opportunities: Works are listed for sale (price must include a 35% gallery commission).
- Professional Recognition: Inclusion in APS and gallery promotional materials.
The Categories or Themes of the Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize 2025
The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize focuses exclusively on conceptual photography, emphasizing creativity, originality, and conceptual depth. Participants are encouraged to submit works that embody abstract or thought-provoking concepts without being restricted by specific categories.
2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize Dates and Registration Fees
Key Dates:
- Entries Close – midnight 14 June 2025
- Finalists Announced – 27 June 2025
- Exhibition Launch Event and Announcement of Winners – 23 August 2025
- Exhibition Dates – 14 August – 11 October 2025
Entry Fees:
- $45 AUD per artwork submitted (GST inclusive).
- No limit on the number of entries per participant.
About the Jury
The 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize jury evaluates submissions based on clearly outlined artistic criteria. Works are assessed on aesthetic value, composition, creativity, originality, conceptual depth, and technical proficiency. The jury comprises industry professionals, ensuring fair judgment based on artistic merit.
Why Enter the 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize?
This contest is ideal for photographers experimenting with abstract themes or mixed-media approaches. The focus on conceptual photography prizes encourages artists to push creative boundaries, while the acquisitive prize offers a rare opportunity for permanent inclusion in a public collection. The $30,000 award is among Australia’s most substantial photography prizes, making it a standout for local talent.
The exhibition at Muswellbrook Art Gallery provides a credible platform for exposure, particularly for emerging artists.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 2025 Mullins Conceptual Photography Prize has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Contest Rules
- Participants must be Australian residents aged 16 and older.
- Works must be original, completed within 12 months prior to entry, and not previously exhibited at Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.
- All entries must be conceptual, exploring abstract ideas or emotions, with photography as the primary medium.
- Works should be for sale and adhere to specified size limits (maximum 200 cm per side).
- Entrants must secure necessary permissions for use of images featuring identifiable persons.
Copyright
- Entrants grant perpetual rights for the APS and Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre to use submitted images and accompanying statements for promotional purposes.
- The photographer retains copyright.
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For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
