Named after iconic Australian photographer Olive Cotton, the $20,000 Award recognises excellence in photographic portraiture and is open to photographic artists from across Australia.
Winner 2023 Olive Cotton Award People’s Choice Award Kate Atkinson b.1982, Emily at the shop 2022, archival pigment print. Image courtesy the artist © the artist.
This year marks 20 years since the Olive Cotton Award launched in 2005 to provide a significant platform that celebrates excellence in photographic portraiture across Australia.
The judging panel will include Sally McInerney, photographer and daughter of Olive Cotton, and inaugural Award Judge in 2005; Glenn Iseger-Pilkington (Nhanda Yamatji and Noongar Peoples), Director, Content, Strategy & Partnerships, Aboriginal Cultural Centre project WA; Angela Connor, Senior Curator, Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) VIC and Shaune Lakin, Senior Curator, Photography – National Gallery of Australia (NGA) ACT.
The Olive Cotton Award is funded by the family of Olive Cotton, with additional purchase awards funded by the Friends of Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre Inc.
Prizes include the Major acquisition prize of $20,000; Director’s Choice award totalling $4,000 acquired for the Gallery’s collection and the People’s Choice Award $1,500 for the finalist who receives the most votes from Gallery visitors.
Submissions for the 2025 Olive Cotton Award are open from Tuesday 25 February until 5pm Tuesday 13 May.
Finalist works will be exhibited at the Gallery from Saturday 17 August – Sunday 2 November, with winners announced on Saturday 30 August.
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