Art Almanac acknowledges and pays respect to the many Aboriginal nations across this land, traditional custodians, Elders past and present; in particular the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we work.

 

October 2026

This time in Art Almanac are works weighted in postwar diaspora, the photographic image, disaster and mourning, and national myths. Bronwyn Watson selects a 1962 Eva Kubbos screenprint that combines, to paraphrase NGA’s Rebecca Edwards, childhood memories of a stark Lithuanian landscape, impressions of Australia, and abstract expressionism. On the mythic scale, Victoria Hynes previews Nolan: Origins via a sit down with AGNSW curator Denise Mimmocchi ahead of its opening. Two up brings Rebecca Hastings’s paintings on the uncanny with cues from Goya alongside Annika Romeyn’s works created from a visit to Antarctica; wildly different subject matter – Emma-Kate Wilson finds common ground through the maker’s mark. Finally, Sasha Grishin takes the time to mourn the passing of the almost-two-decade National Photographic Portrait Prize with a celebration of the standouts of its final run. Plus, we have our national guide to exhibitions and awards, and the latest artist opportunities and services.

Art Almanac | Australia’s leading monthly guide to “what’s on” in the arts: exhibitions, events, workshops, open studios, artist opportunities, art awards and services. October 2026 features $395k+ in art prizes/funding, 650+ galleries, and 370+ artists, both emerging and established.

Contents

Editorial

Editor’s note
Editor’s pick

Preview:
Nolan: Origins – Words by Victoria Hynes

On display:
Eva Kubbos, Silent mountain, 1962 – Words by Bronwyn Watson

Two up:
Rebecca Hastings × Annika Romeyn, The maker’s mark – Words by Emma-Kate Wilson

Review:
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 – Words by Sasha Grishin

Select exhibitions:
Enjoy our curated selection of must-see exhibitions across Australia this month

News:
Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award
MA Art Prize
Artbank Prize
Calleen Art Award
Mosman Art Prize

Books:
Dredging Up the Past: Gertrude 2005–2025
Margaret Preston

What’s on

Melbourne
Victoria
Sydney
New South Wales
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
South Australia
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Queensland

Art & industry
Artist opportunities & awards
Art auction houses
Submissions and proposals
Studio spaces
Materials
Services
Consultants and valuers
Member organisations
Training

Cover image:
Justene Williams, Victory Over the Sun (performance still, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra), 2016, costumes, video, e-score / Purchased 2021 in celebration of the National Gallery of Australia’s 40th anniversary, 2022 / Collection: National Gallery of Australia / Courtesy the artist and Sarah Cottier Gallery, Sydney