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.
The Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre is inviting photographers nationally to submit entries for the 2025 Olive Cotton Award. This year marks 20 years since the Olive Cotton Award launched in 2005. Named after iconic Australian photographer Olive Cotton, the prestigious $20,000 Award recognises excellence in photographic portraiture and is open to photographic artists from across Australia. Gallery Director Ingrid Hedgcock said the Award has given photographic portraiture artists the opportunity to be deservedly celebrated since its inception in 2005. “We are thrilled to announce that entries for the 2025 Olive Cotton Award are now open. As we commemorate 20 years since this prestigious biennial award began we reflect on its evolution into a significant platform that celebrates excellence in photographic portraiture across Australia,” Ms Hedgcock said. “The award will continue to honour the enduring legacy of Olive Cotton – to have her daughter Sally McInerney return to the panel for the first time since the inaugural award is a fitting way to recognise this milestone.” “We eagerly anticipate this year’s submissions from artists nationwide, which we know will continue to showcase the diverse perspectives of our photographic community.” Judges for this year’s Award are:
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. Award categories: Major acquisition prize of $20,000 Director’s Choice award totalling $4,000 acquired for the Gallery’s collection People’s Choice Award $1,500 for the finalist who receives the most votes from Gallery visitors Key dates: 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
Further information: For submission details and further information, visit Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
Winner 2023 OCA Gerwyn Davies b.1985, Replica 2023, archival pigment print. Represented by Jan Murphy Gallery, Brisbane; Michael Reid Gallery, Sydney/Berlin. Image courtesy the artist © the artist.
Winner 2023 OCA Director’s Choice Ferne Millen b.1978, No Labels Required 2023, C-type print. Image courtesy the artist © the artist.
Photo 1: 2023 OCA People's Choice Award
Winner 2023 OCA People’s Choice Award Kate Atkinson b.1982, Emily at the shop 2022, archival pigment print. Image courtesy the artist © the artist.
Photo 2: Winner 2023 OCA Director's Choice
Photo 3: Winner 2023 OCA
Download instructions
For all media or interview requests, please call 02 6670 2136 or email.
Stay up to date with Council’s latest news and updates, follow us on social media or subscribe to get all the news direct to your inbox.
Call 02 6670 2136 or email for all media or interview requests.
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre 2 Mistral Road (corner of Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah South) PO Box 816 Murwillumbah, NSW 2484
The Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (Café 8:30 am to 4 pm).