AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM ARTISTS 2026

Applications are open to all artists who meet the criteria outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Eligible entries are considered for inclusion in the AMA2026, an exhibition of shortlisted works selected by a panel of judges.

Two prizes will be awarded for AMA2026:

1. The Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize, supported by La Trobe University with an award of $10,000.
2. The People’s Choice Art Prize, a non-acquisitive award of $1,000.

Dr Stefano Carboni

Dr. Stefano Carboni is an internationally recognised curator and scholar of Persian and Islamic art. He has served as Curator and Administrator of the Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Visiting Professor of Islamic Art at the Bard Center of New York University, Distinguished Visiting Professor at the American University in Cairo, Director and CEO of the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and CEO of the Museums Commission for the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His many catalogues and books include The Wonders of Creation and the Oddities of Ilkhanid Painting (2015); Venice and the Islamic World, 828-1797 (2007); and The Legacy of Genghis Khan: Courtly Arts and Culture in Western Asia, 1256-1353 (2002), which was awarded the College Art Association of America’s Alfred H. Barr Prize for outstanding museum publication in that year.

Dr. Karen Annett

Dr Karen Annett is Director of La Trobe Art Institute. Karen has held numerous roles at La Trobe Art Institute and La Trobe University over the last 15 years, including Assistant Director, Public Programs Coordinator, sessional lecturer, post-graduate supervisor and ITAS tutor. Karen has been key in leading partnerships across the community and cultural sectors, establishing an artist residency program, and nurturing relationship with key stakeholders in the University and beyond. She holds a PhD from La Trobe University and is also a practicing artist which strongly informs her inclusive approach to learning through visual arts.

Dr Anisa Buckley (Community representative)

Dr Anisa Buckley is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on Islamic law, gender and Muslim minorities, and her book based on her PhD was published in 2019 titled “Not ‘Completely’ Divorced: Muslim Women in Australia Navigating Muslim Family Laws”. She has over twenty years of experience working with various Muslim community organisations across Australia in the areas of Islamic education, capacity building and Muslim women’s advocacy. She was a founding Board Member of the Islamic Museum of Australia, and is a longstanding Board Member of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights.

Dr Mahmoud Mohammed (Curator)

Mahmoud is responsible for the art department and research activities at the Museum. His role includes curatorial work, exhibition management and collections care and conservation. Mahmoud has a PhD in Cultural Materials Conservation from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor in Conservation from Cairo University – Fayoum Branch. He is a casual lecturer at the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation. Mahmoud has a long experience in collections care and conservations science both professionally and academically. Throughout his learning journey he has collaborated with and trained in international institutions around the world including the USA, Italy and Egypt.

• Artwork submitted will be judged based on the following:
  1. Uniqueness, originality and creativity
  2. Clarity of concept and message
  3. Artistic skills, including but not limited to composition, design, and levels of complexity
  4. Technical skills, including but not limited to choice of materials, mastery of the chosen medium(s), finishing and details
  5. Overall presentation
  6. How the work links to the vision or mission of the IMA
• The 2026 prizes will be awarded to a recent work (completed after 30 June 2024) that has not been previously exhibited in the AMA exhibition.
• There is no restriction on the medium, language or technique used.
• There are no size restrictions, however works must be able to be lifted by two people. If you are unsure, please contact the Museum for more information.

There is no fee to enter AMA2026.

1. The AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM ARTIST 2026 Art Prize (the Prize) is open to established artists who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia over 18 years of age. Works submitted must be the original work of the artist and completed after 30 June 2024.
2. The winning work may enter the La Trobe University Art Collection if all of the following conditions are met:
   1. the artist has consented to the work being considered for acquisition*;
   2. the work is awarded the prize; and
   3. La Trobe University determines that the work meets its collection priorities, policies and display requirements.
   *the artist’s decision here will not impact their eligibility for the prize
3. Artists may elect for their submitted work to be considered for acquisition by La Trobe University in the event that it is awarded the prize. Selection for acquisition is at the sole discretion of La Trobe University and subject to its collection priorities, policies and display requirements. Declining acquisition will not affect eligibility for the prize.
4. The PEOPLE’S CHOICE PRIZE (non-acquisitive award) of $1,000 is open to any artist who complies with Terms & Conditions 1 and is shortlisted in the exhibition. It will be judged by the public via online vote and announced at the completion of the exhibition.
5. To be eligible, all Entrants must submit a complete application to Islamic Museum of Australia by the due date. Entries received after this date will not be accepted.
6. Applications must be made online and we recommend applicants open the website and upload works using browser Google Chrome: islamicmuseum.org.au.
7. Only one entry may be submitted by an individual artist.
8. A judging panel will review all eligible entries and will select a shortlist for exhibition. All Entrants will be contacted by email and advised whether their entry has been shortlisted. Decisions regarding the shortlist and winning artists will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
9. The entry must be an original, uncopied work made solely by the artist in the 24 months prior to the closing date for applications. If the artist has been assisted by technicians, they must be identified.
10. Islamic Museum of Australia and La Trobe University recognises that the authorship and copyright of the work displayed in the final exhibition belongs to the artist.
11. The shortlisted Entrants must permit Islamic Museum of Australia to reproduce biographical information and images of entered works in an exhibition catalogue and in promotional material associated with the AMA 2026 Art Prize and exhibition. Islamic Museum of Australia will attribute the artist as the author of the work wherever the work is reproduced unless it is reasonable in the circumstances not to do so.
12. The shortlisted Entrants must agree to granting Islamic Museum of Australia or its representative an interview by phone or in person to develop further promotional content for AMA 2026.
13. The winner of the major prize will grant Islamic Museum of Australia and La Trobe University a non-exclusive, perpetual copyright licence to reproduce the work for non-commercial purposes.
14. Islamic Museum of Australia and La Trobe University will attribute the Artist as the author of the work wherever the work is reproduced unless it is reasonable in the circumstances not to do so.
15. Shortlisted Entrants must arrange for delivery of their work to Islamic Museum of Australia during opening hours, as specified above, free of any costs to the Museum. The work delivered must be the same as the image supplied; any subsequent alterations will render the work ineligible for the Prize unless prior permission is granted.
16. All works shortlisted must be displayed for the duration of the exhibition.
17. All Artists will be responsible for the insurance of their exhibited works.
18. Islamic Museum of Australia will not accept liability for any loss or damage inflicted to works that may occur during transit.
19. Artworks can be framed, stretched, mounted or pinned and must be delivered ready to hang and display.
20. Artworks must clearly mark the artist name, title of artwork and indicate the upright position.
21. All artworks must be collected by appointment during Museum opening hours, as specified above. Artists must contact us if unable to collect during this period. Unless prior arrangements have been made, all uncollected work will be disposed of eight weeks after the exhibition closure.
22. The Prize Winning Entrant agrees to make all reasonable effort to attend the Opening Event at their own expense.
23. Islamic Museum of Australia reserves the right to refuse display of any entry that does not meet the requirements outlined in Terms and Conditions, or any work it deems to be unacceptable for exhibition.
24. Employees of Islamic Museum of Australia, La Trobe University and those involved in the administration or judging of the Prize are not eligible to enter.
25. In completing the entry form the Entrant agrees to these Terms & Conditions.
26. If a dispute arises relating to the administration of the Australian Muslim Artist 2026 Art Prize, the parties agree to negotiate to settle the dispute with the assistance of an agreed independent third party, or if no agreement can be made, by a mediator from the Australian Mediation Association before litigation.
27. Any artworks sold during the period of exhibition will be negotiated privately between artist and buyer. The Islamic Museum of Australia will facilitate the process by providing contact details upon request.

Enquiries may be directed to Islamic Museum of Australia: Telephone 1300 915 171 or email: admin@islamicmuseum.org.au