The Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize – a nationally significant prize – returns to McLaren Vale this week, and you can check out some of the stunning submissions across 2 exhibitions from Saturday 6 June.
The Biennale was founded in 1998 by David Dridan, Greg Trott and Tony Parkinson to raise the profile of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It was once the richest landscape prize in Australia, but has since allowed a wider range of artists and artworks to participate.
It has remained a respected and vital part of the cultural heritage of McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu – a long-standing focal point for the promotion of the region, particularly its wine, produce, landscapes and tourism.
You can explore finalists’ artworks from local and interstate artists – responding to the 2026 theme ‘A Sense of Place’ – at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 5 July.
A second Curator’s Choice Exhibition will be held for the first time across the same period at the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre’s Stump Hill Gallery featuring a selection of the remaining prize submissions.
All artworks from both exhibitions will be for sale.
Five prizes will be awarded to artists during the Biennale. The Fleurieu Art Prize ($20,000), the Judges’ Commendation Prize ($2,000 + $5,000 luxury accommodation at Ukiyo House, Port Willunga), the Hugo Shaw Emerging Artists Prize ($5,000) and the Main Beach Curator’s Choice Prize ($2,000) will be announced on Friday 5 June ahead of the exhibition opening to the public.
The Hardys People’s Choice Award ($2,500) will be awarded 28 June – the last day of the exhibitions.
You can also get involved in the Fleurieu Biennale through a free community art event where you can decorate a blank wine box that will be displayed in an exhibition at McLaren Vale’s Good Bank Gallery from 5–28 June on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Boxes can be added to the exhibition as they’re delivered by the community.
A series of artist masterclasses is also being held during the Biennale with 7 incredible artists, 7 unique experiences and 6 stunning venues across the region. Spots are limited and some of the masterclasses have already sold out so be quick.
The Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize is supported through the City of Onkaparinga’s Grants Program.
Grants are an important way the council supports community-led initiatives that deliver local and strategic outcomes for Onkaparinga, with relatively modest investment generating meaningful social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
Biennale board member, Megan Hender, said the main prize attracts entries from all over Australia, which means the artwork on display is of a very high calibre.
“The event is in its 28th year and it’s deeply valued by our local community,” she said.
“The exhibitions and other events are likely to attract a significant number of visitors to the district.
“We had over 2,000 visitors in 2024 and we are hoping to double that in 2026. Many of these visitors will patronise local cafes, restaurants, cellar doors, accommodation providers and other businesses.
“This is therefore not just an arts event but also an important economic development initiative.
“The community art project is also significant. At this stage, we have given away over 500 free blank flat-packed wine boxes to artists of all abilities all over our community!
“This number way exceeds even our wildest expectations – and shows just how many members of our community value artistic endeavour.
“None of this could have happened without the ongoing financial support of Council, and the incredibly hard work of a group of dedicated volunteers.”
Pictured
A quintessential McLaren Vale scene. Photo: Matt Trapp