One of Western Australia’s most celebrated annual art events, the Melville Art Awards, returns for its 49th year from
Saturday, 25 October to Sunday, 9 November 2025 with an impressive prize pool, in excess of $18,000, on offer.
This year’s exhibition, in the Civic Centre’s Main Hall, will showcase the work of more than 130 Western Australian artists, ranging from first-time entrants to emerging and professional creatives. Visitors can expect an inspiring variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, photography, ceramics, and prints - with no commission taken on sales, making it a perfect opportunity to support local artists.
The City of Melville has long been a driving force behind the Melville Art Awards, supporting and fostering the careers of Western Australian artists by acquiring the overall winning artwork each year, and purchasing other pieces for the City’s Art Collection, which now features more than 480 artworks.
This year continues an exciting award introduced last year - the Print Award, proudly sponsored by the Printmakers Association of WA (PAWA). The winner of this award will receive a 12-month PAWA membership and 10 studio sessions at Atwell House, recognising excellence in printmaking using a hand pulled technique (printed by hand) and encouraging appreciation of printmaking as an art form.
The Arts Development Award also returns, honouring a local artist actively pursuing a professional career. Designed to encourage growth, exploration, and creative risk-taking, the award supports the development of new techniques, themes, conceptual approaches and culminates in a solo exhibition.
This year’s prize pool totals $18,500 across eight categories, including the acquisitive Overall Award ($8,500), Youth Award ($1,000), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award ($1,000), People’s Choice Award ($1,000), and City of Melville Resident Award ($1,000).
The opening night event is
6.00pm Friday, 24 October, in the Melville Main Hall, with guests enjoying music, food, and an awards ceremony.
The City of Melville thanks sponsors Westfield, St John of God Murdoch, Perth Now, Jacksons Art Supplies, and the Printmakers Association of WA for their support of the 2025 Melville Art Awards.
Exhibition details:
Location: City of Melville Main Hall
Date: Saturday, 25 October to Sunday, 9 November 2025
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm daily
For more information about the awards, exhibition and public program, visit
melvillecity.com.au/artawards Comments attributed to City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair: “Through celebrating local artists and their work, the Melville Art Awards has grown to become one of Western Australia’s most popular art awards. In its nearly 50-year history, the Awards have engaged hundreds of artists and thousands of audience members annually.”
“Melville Art Awards is unique because it provides opportunities for artists to exhibit for the first time, right through to wide exposure for professional artists. Artworks are also for sale, and this is an excellent opportunity to purchase works and support the artists who are not charged commission on sales.”
“The diverse variety of works and mediums provide audiences with an exciting and dynamic show. I encourage the community to get involved and come down and view the exceptional work created by local artists for this year’s exhibition.”