We are delighted to see Scotty So, J Davies, The Huxleys and Damien Shen's collaborative works with James Tylor, are all finalists in the Bowness Photography Prize 2026!
We asked MARS Gallery Director Andy Dinan:
What does recognition in a leading award mean for emerging artists?
The Bowness Photography Prize is Australia’s leading photography award, offering $50,000 to one Australian artist working across analogue and digital still image-based practices.
For emerging photographers, recognition in a major award such as the Bowness Photography Prize can be career-defining. It provides the opportunity to exhibit alongside some of the most respected artists in their medium, placing their work before a new audience of curators, collectors, institutions and the wider public nationally and internationally. For a commercial gallery, seeing a number of our represented artists placed side by side as finalists is always exciting!
Inclusions in awards also cultivate an impressive portfolio and CV for the artist, strengthening credibility and recognition of their practice, as well as future opportunities for acquisitions, residencies and exhibitions. – Andy Dinan
