The R & M McGivern Prize 2025/26 exhibition

Next date: Monday, 16 November 2026 | 09:00 AM to Sunday, 24 January 2027 | 05:00 PM

The R & M McGivern Prize is a national prize for original paintings in oil and watercolour (including gouache). Established through the will of the late Muriel Evelyn McGivern, the prize is a lasting legacy of her support for arts and culture in Maroondah.

This exhibition features the work of 50 outstanding finalists from every Australian state and territory, responding to the theme of Atmosphere.

The atmosphere that surrounds us sustains and shapes our lives. For artists, the influence of atmosphere, both physical and emotional, on visual perception is fundamental. In Australia and around the world, we are experiencing powerful impacts of climate change and shifting social, cultural and political atmospheres.

Through painting, the finalists explore their own interpretations of Atmosphere, from the momentary to the monumental.

Prize finalists

In 2025/26, the R & M McGivern Prize will award two acquisitive prizes of $25,000. The winning paintings will be announced at the opening celebration on Thursday 19 November 2026 and will become part of the Maroondah City Council Art Collection.

A non-acquisitive Maroondah City Council People's Choice Award of $1,000 will also be will be awarded at the end of the exhibition.

Further information

The R & M McGivern Prize is awarded by Perpetual Wealth as Trustee of the R & M McGivern Croydon Arts Trust.

For more information please contact Arts in Maroondah on 0417 915 347 or email gallery@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Dates and locations