The King’s School Art Show is one of the most enduring and beloved traditions in the School’s cultural calendar, evolving from a modest community initiative into a nationally respected platform for contemporary Australian art.
The Art Show was first conceived in 1979 by members of the Prep Fathers’ Association, who proposed the idea as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Prep School at Gowan Brae. Due to an already packed program that year, the event was postponed and debuted the following year.
In July 1980, the inaugural Art Show was held over three days, curated under the guidance of artist and school parent, Mr Werner Filipitsch. It featured over 400 works from professional artists, including pottery, with more than half the artworks available for sale. Advertised in the local press and supported by an enthusiastic network of parent volunteers, this early version of the show, barely mentioned in the 1980 School Magazine, would soon become a cultural highlight attracting thousands of visitors.
In 1994, The King’s School expanded its artistic commitment with the introduction of The King’s School Art Prize, a $20,000 award. This prestigious prize recognises the best contemporary artwork created by an Australian-resident artist represented by a commercial gallery. Entry is by invitation only, ensuring a high standard of work and contributing meaningfully to the national fine arts industry.
Over the past 26 years, the Art Prize has become one of the country’s most respected school-based art awards, with The King’s School acquiring significant works for its collection. It has helped elevate the profile of many established and emerging artists and become a mark of distinction within the Australian arts community.
Artists featured in the Art Prize read like a who’s who of the Australian contemporary art scene. Past recipients and participants include:
John Olsen – One of Australia’s most celebrated painters. Winner of the Archibald Prize (2005), Wynne Prize (1969, 1985). Iconic for his depictions of the Australian landscape and a towering figure in post-war Australian art.
Ben Quilty – Archibald Prize winner (2011), war artist in Afghanistan, strong political voice. Widely collected and respected both in Australia and internationally.
Euan Macleod – Winner of the Archibald Prize (1999) and highly regarded for his emotionally charged, expressive landscapes and figures. Well represented in public collections.
Gloria Petyarre – Leading Aboriginal artist from Utopia. Winner of the Wynne Prize (1999), her work is globally recognised and collected. A key figure in the international appreciation of Indigenous art.
These names reflect the calibre and diversity of artists the Prize has supported -spanning painting, mixed media, Indigenous art and figurative and landscape traditions.
The Art Show celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, coinciding with the 25th year of the Art Prize. That year’s event was held as part of King’s Fest, an annual celebration combining art, music, classic British car displays, family entertainment and high tea. A retrospective was also held in 2006 to honour the show’s long-standing contribution to the School’s cultural life.
In 2025, the Art Prize celebrates its 26th year with an exhibition from June 12 to 14, culminating in a Gala Dinner on June 14 in Horrocks Hall. The event continues to attract the public, collectors and art lovers alike, affirming the School’s place as both a champion of educational excellence and a supporter of Australia’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
To explore this year’s finalists and catalogue, click here.