Naked & Nude Art Prize 2025

Naked & Nude Art Prize 2025

Exhibition dates:  19 July to 13 September 2025  

Presented in partnership with the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery, the ‘Naked & Nude Art Prize’ is the only art award of its kind in Australia and attracts entries from artists at all stages of their careers and working in all mediums. This year the prize pool totals $42,000, with a major acquisitive Prize of $40,000.  

The theme ‘Naked & Nude’ is an evocative platform for creative inspiration, and artists delve into representations of the human form. With a history dating back to ancient times across many cultures, the exposed human figure is one the most enduring themes in the visual arts and remains relevant to artists across all disciplines. Naked & Nude refers to two things: firstly, the great tradition of the Nude: a person who is bare, with no covering or decoration. Secondly, a wider definition: something that is revealed, laid bare, unmasked or vulnerable.

The biennial Naked & Nude Art Prize (previously the Manning Art Prize: Naked & Nude) commenced in 1990 with entries open to Australian artists. The Art Prize is a partnership between Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery and the Manning Regional Art Gallery. After 33 years, the Naked & Nude Art Prize has become a prestigious national event on the Australian Arts Calendar and is open to artists in a variety of mediums.  The winning entry is acquired by the Friends and donated to the Manning Regional Art Gallery’s permanent collection.

Without the generous gifts from all our supporters, the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery could not present the Naked & Nude Art Prize to the community of the Mid North Coast. For more information and to enter, please go to the Friends of the Manning Regional Art Gallery Website, here