Arts Assist is proud to present the Here + Seen Art Prize Exhibition, an opportunity created for artists whose lived experience of neurodivergence has impacted their access to creative participation.

This impact may include challenges in building skills and confidence, developing artistic knowledge, sustaining creative practice, or accessing opportunities to exhibit work. Here + Seen exists to acknowledge those experiences and create space for visibility, community connection, creative recognition, and celebration.

This exhibition honours artists whose creative paths have not always been supported by traditional systems — and offers an opportunity for their work to be seen, valued, and celebrated.

The Here + Seen Art Prize is open to artists whose lived experience of neurodivergence has influenced their access to creative participation.

You do not need formal training or previous exhibition experience to enter — we welcome emerging, developing, and self-taught artists.

How to Enter

1. Register your interest to receive full entry information

2. Review the guidelines, criteria, and due dates

3. Create your artwork

4. Submit up to two images of your artwork

5. Selection notifications will be sent to all applicants

6. Deliver selected artworks

7. Attend the Opening Night & Awards Celebration

Important Dates

• Applications close: Midnight on Tuesday 1st September 2026

• Selection Notifications: Thursday 10th September 2026

• Delivery of Artworks: 21st - 26th September 2026

• Opening Night Celebration: Wednesday 7th October 2026

• Exhibition viewing: 2nd October - 2nd December 2026

• Artwork collection: 3rd - 4th December 2026

Eligibility & Prize Categories

Open to artists whose neurodivergence includes an intellectual or cognitive disability, either developmental or acquired.

Wyndham Prize is for Wyndham Residents only

Wyndham Under 16 Prize is for Wyndham Residents only

Open Prize is not restricted to Wyndham Residents *conditions apply

The People’s Choice Award all exhibited works are automatically eligible

* Important In person drop off and collection only. Due to space and staffing limitations, we’re unable to manage couriers, postal deliveries, or returns by mail. Organisers will not have the capacity to be responsible for packing artworks for collection. Artists are therefore required to drop off and collect their work in person or arrange for a trusted person to do so. At Saltwater Community Centre, Point Cook. VIC (exhibition venue) Hours-9am-5pm Mon-Fri.

Artwork Criteria

• Artworks can be 2D or 3D.

• To fit within a maximum size of 50 cm × 50 cm including mounting or presentation attachments

• You can use any materials or combination of materials to make your work.

• All artwork must be original and created by the artist

Please read attached information and FAQ pack before submitting application. All forms are linked below. Best of luck!