THE Ipswich Show Society is pulling out all stops to deliver an exciting, rewarding and inspiring 2026 Ipswich Show.
Chief Steward of Fine Arts, Glen Smith, has already been working tirelessly alongside the Ipswich Show Society to ensure this year’s event is bigger, better and more memorable than ever.
Schedules and entries are now open online, and all artists and craftspeople are encouraged to be part of this year’s 153rd show.
Artsconnect Ipswich will once again host the popular Awards Night, to be held prior to the official show opening.
Artists entering the Fine Arts, Photography and Art in Bark sections are encouraged to attend and enjoy the company of fellow creatives while eagerly awaiting the announcement of award winners.
Following a decline in entries in previous years, Artsconnect Ipswich and the Ipswich Show Society collaborated to restore the Fine Arts section to its former glory.
Ipswich Show Society Events Manager Joanne Hadnutt, working alongside Artsconnect Ipswich President Glen Smith, has seen continued support and increasing entry numbers over the past four years.
“We wanted to tweak the Fine Arts section to make it more appealing for artists to enter, while still staying true to traditional art practices,” Mr Smith said.
“We aimed to encourage both existing and new artists to exhibit at the show.”
With amended schedules, increased prize money and the introduction of the Awards Night, the 2025 show recorded over 450 entries across Fine Arts, Photography and Art in Bark. Organisers are hopeful to exceed that number again in 2026.
“The Fine Arts section is a great opportunity for new and emerging artists to showcase their work, network with other artists and potentially sell their pieces,” Mr Smith said.
Junior artists are also encouraged to enter, with a dedicated and separate junior section allowing artists of all ages to participate.
Last year showcased outstanding work from young artists, and organisers hope to welcome them back again in 2026.
The Artists Living with Disability / Special Needs category, introduced last year, was very well received and strongly supported.
Artists are encouraged to enter this year’s show, feel welcome, and display their work in a safe and inclusive environment.
The Ipswich Show will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15-17, with Ipswich Show Day Public Holiday on the Friday.
To enter the Fine Arts section, visit the Ipswich Show website and follow the entry links, or attend the Show Society Office at the showgrounds.
