Sydney Contemporary, in partnership with MA Financial Group, today announced the return of the MA Art Prize, increased to $15,000. The recipient will be announced at the start of this year’s Fair, the most ambitious edition to date with 114 exhibitors, taking place at long-standing Presenting Partner Carriageworks from 11 - 14 September 2025.
The acquisitive award, now in its third consecutive year, is made possible by the Fair's Principal Partner, MA Financial Group, and was established to celebrate and support emerging Australian artists. Awarded to one early-career artist showcasing work at Sydney Contemporary, the prize helps to identify and promote burgeoning Australian artists.
Independent curator and founder of ALASKA Projects Sebastian Goldspink has today been announced as the newest member of the MA Art Prize judging panel. A descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney, Goldspink is the former Director of both Hazelhurst Arts Centre and of Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf. As a curator, he has presented national and international exhibitions including in London, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Christchurch.
Goldspink joins fellow judges Andrew Martin, MA Financial Group, Janna Robertson, MA Financial Group, Amelia Hill, MA Financial Group, Jarrod Rawlins, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and Sue Cato, Cato & Clive.
Andrew Martin, Managing Director and Head of Asset Management, MA Financial Group, said: “The MA Art Prize was established to celebrate and support emerging and early career artists in Australia, and we are delighted to announce this year the acquisitive prize has increased to $15,000.
“At MA Financial we believe a vibrant arts community is a vital part of our dynamic culture, and we are proud to support artists by providing a platform to exhibit their work and connect with a wider audience.
“Now in its third year the MA Art Prize aims to shine a light on the depth of talent within Australia’s contemporary art scene, and play a meaningful role in helping artists realise their potential and progress in their professional journey.”
Past winners include Manyjilyjarra artist from the Pilbara region Corban Clause Williams in 2023, and last year’s winner First Nations artist Alfred Lowe. Both artists had sell-out exhibitions at the Fair in the years that they won the Prize.
Corban Clause Williams, 2023 MA Art Prize Winner, on receiving the award, said: "I feel so pukulpa (happy)! I have big dreams of sharing my art and story with the world and this brings me one step closer.”
Alfred Lowe, 2024 MA Art Prize Winner, on receiving the award, said: "“I am thrilled to be the recipient of the 2024 MA Art Prize. Sydney Contemporary is a gathering of the country’s best artists and galleries and I look forward to this event every year, so to be recognised here is very special. My work, ‘All dressed up I’ is a joyful celebration of love, defiance and what it means to present yourself to the world. The work holds space unapologetically and dares you to try to ignore it.”
Sydney Contemporary Fair Director Zoe Paulsen said: “We are delighted to welcome back the MA Art Prize for its third edition with an exciting increase to $15,000, thanks to the continued and generous support of MA Financial Group. This prize is a cornerstone of the Fair’s ongoing commitment to supporting early-career Australian artists, offering significant support to develop their practice and gain national recognition. With the addition of respected curator Sebastian Goldspink to the esteemed judging panel, we look forward to celebrating the awarding of the 2025 MA Art Prize this September at Carriageworks for the Fair’s ninth edition.”
MA Financial Group has been Principal Partner of Sydney Contemporary since 2021. Through their support, Sydney Contemporary provides a platform to exhibit the most exciting and diverse contemporary art from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and beyond.
The 2025 edition of Sydney Contemporary features 114 exhibitors and more than 500 artists, alongside a wide range of curated programs including Installation Contemporary, Performance Contemporary, Talks and Kid Contemporary. Further details will be announced later this month, and tickets are available to purchase here.
Sydney Contemporary is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
