AS we roll into a 2023 it’s time for Ipswich artists to get creating.
As a local artist I find it best to get cracking early and start planning artworks for competitions, shows and exhibitions.
There are several local and regional competitions that most local artists enter and you need to be organised so you don’t miss the cut off dates for entering.

Ipswich Art Awards 2023
The Ipswich City Council has already opened the entries for the Ipswich Art Awards for 2023.
These awards provide a spotlight for aspiring Ipswich artists across a diverse eight categories ranging from traditional acrylic and oil to new media.
Ipswich Art Awards are a great opportunity for artists to gain recognition and showcase their work.
These awards acknowledge and celebrate the talented and passionate artists across our city who capture, inspire, and reflect our diverse lives and environment.
Artists are able to submit a maximum of two entries across the following categories:
- Painting – acrylic and oil
- Painting – watercolour
- Three dimensions (including sculpture and textiles)
- Mixed media
- New media
- Print making
- Drawing and pastels
- Photography
Winners in each category will receive $1,500 prize money, while the winner of Best of Show will win $3000. There is also a People’s Choice Award, where you get to have a say in the artwork you like the best.
Entries for the 2023 Ipswich Art Awards close Tuesday, March 7, and winners will be announced at the opening night event on Friday, May 26, with the exhibition open to the public from Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4.
To view terms and conditions and complete your entry form, go to the Ipswich City Council website and remember to do it early.

Ipswich Show Awards
Another art competition to put in your diary is the Ipswich Show Fine Arts Section.
The Ipswich Show celebrates 150 years in May 2023, and the organisers are hoping this will be a big year for the show.
Artsconnect Ipswich will again host the opening event and awards night for the Fine Arts Section and entries and schedules will be open soon so watch this space for further details.
Later in the year we have the Marburg Black Snake Festival Art Awards, Rosewood Show, Arttime’s Colour Challenge, Let Them Art Cake Art Competition, Qld Regional Flying Art Awards and one of my favourite competitions, Boonah Arts Festival.
So, you see why it is important to plan ahead for these events to ensure you don’t get disappointed and miss out on and opportunity.