Winner

Qantas Founders Museum

Yayoi in the Outback

The Qantas Founders Museum is recognised as a Winner in this category for its outstanding achievements in presenting Yayoi Kusama’s major contemporary art installation, The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, in Longreach, Queensland. This exhibition marked a transformative moment for cultural programming in Outback Queensland, attracting over 24,500 visitors during its seven-month run, positioning Longreach as a cultural destination.

Sourced through the National Gallery of Australia’s Regional Initiatives Program supported by Metal Manufactures, this immersive installation featured an enchanting yellow room adorned with black polka dots, captivating visitors of all ages with its mirrored box reflecting illuminated pumpkin sculptures. The exhibition not only boosted local tourism but also provided over 500 students from 30 schools with a unique arts experience, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation in a region that has limited access to such events.

Highly Commended

North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah

Ngali Dullan – We Remain

The Ngali Dullan – We Remain exhibition at the North Stradbroke Island Museum on Minjerribah is an organisation-altering initiative that showcases the rich Quandamooka culture and history, making it worthy of receiving a Highly Commended in this category. Since opening in June 2024, the exhibition has transformed the Museum’s entrance into a vibrant space that immerses visitors in the enduring legacy of the Quandamooka people. 

Led by the Museum’s administrative manager and supported by the Quandamooka Committee, this project exemplifies a commitment to reconciliation and cultural respect. It features interpretive mapping by nationally acclaimed Quandamooka artist, Megan Cope, and works by local artists, all of which authentically represent Quandamooka stories and artefacts. 

Finalists

The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery

Volatile Terrain

Volatile Terrain was the inaugural exhibition for The Condensery’s Harvest Biennial, launched in 2025. Prioritising the development of new work by emerging local artists, while mentoring them and positioning their practices alongside nationally and internationally recognised peers, has made a remarkable impact on the Somerset region, strengthening artistic practice and delivering engaging cultural experiences for the broader community. Led by The Condensery’s curator, Madeline Brewer, and guest curator, Cara-Ann Simpson, the exhibition brought together local artists Naomi McKenzie, Shirley Gregor, Sandi Hook, Jim Filmer and Cassandra Hodgins with nationally acclaimed artists Bonita Ely, Dylan Sarra, Judy Watson, Kate Geck, Marion Drew, Megan Cope, Keg de Souza and Prita Tina Yeganeh, fostering a rich dialogue around environmental and cultural themes. 

Griffith University Art Museum

Yuriyal Bridgeman: yubilong(mi)bilongyu 

Griffith University Art Museum is recognised for its outstanding exhibition Yuriyal Bridgeman: yubilong(mi)bilongyu. Showcasing the exceptional works of Queensland College of Art alum, Yuriyal Bridgeman, this project marked the artist’s first solo exhibition, presented alongside an extensive survey of his artistic practice, including painting, photography, video, sculpture, and installation. 

A striking mural, created in collaboration with Queensland College of Art and Design students, welcomed visitors, setting the stage for Bridgeman’s poignant exploration of ethnographic representation, queer identity, masculinity and community through his photographic and video works. His ongoing series of ‘Shield Paintings,’ inspired by the traditions of the Yuri Alaiku men’s practices in the Simbu Province, further connected with audiences through personal stories of friends, family and cultural heritage. 

Noosa Regional Gallery

Imaginate featuring Pip & Pop: Sunshine Daydream

Boldly transforming the Gallery into a magical, pastel rainbow wonderland, Pip & Pop’s (Tanya Schultz) stunning installation, Imaginate featuring Pip & Pop: Sunshine Daydream, captivated over 11,000 visitors during the winter school holidays in 2024. To put this in context, it represents almost a third of the Gallery’s annual visitation achieved in just 20 days. 

Made from everyday re-used materials and celebrating the local Noosa Biosphere, this project featured engaging interactive components, including collaborative workshops with Pip & Pop and local artists, crafting stations and a community garden, encouraging visitors to participate creatively and connect with each other. A grand sensory wall and puppet play sessions enhanced the experience, making art accessible and inclusive for all, particularly benefiting neurodiverse audiences and memory care groups.