MA Art Prize
Celebrating and supporting the next generation of Australian artists The MA Art Prize is an acquisitive prize valued at $25,000, awarded each year to one emerging or early-career artist showing new work with a gallery at Sydney Contemporary.
Launched in 2023 by MA Financial Group, Principal Partner of Sydney Contemporary, the Prize was created to identify exceptional new talent, support artists at a critical point in their career, and build lasting connections between emerging practice and serious collecting. The 2026 winner will be announced at the Collector Preview on 2 September 2026.
“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 fourth 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.” Andrew Martin, Managing Director & Head of Asset Management, MA Financial
THE ARTISTS
Past Winners
Since its launch in 2023, the MA Art Prize has recognised three exceptional emerging artists – each bringing a distinct and powerful voice to contemporary Australian practice.
2025 WINNER
Juanita McLauchlan
Juanita McLauchlan is an emerging Gamilaraay artist based in Wagga Wagga, whose practice is deeply informed by her Indigenous heritage. Working across materials and concepts with an experimental and rigorous approach, McLauchlan uses her cultural foundation as both a guiding framework and a generative force. Her winning work, Mandaymanday / String of Stars, was presented at Sydney Contemporary 2025 with Cassandra Bird, and marked a significant moment in an already compelling early career.
Mandaymanday / String of Stars, 2025 Presented by Cassandra Bird
2024 WINNER
Alfred Lowe
Alfred Lowe is a ceramicist whose hand-built stoneware works blend technical mastery with rich cultural storytelling. All Dressed Up I, a hand-built stoneware work with sgraffito and raffia, presented by Sabbia Gallery at Sydney Contemporary 2024, exemplifies Lowe’s ability to hold tradition and contemporaneity in the same breath. The acquisition of this work by MA Financial Group marked a significant moment for both the artist and the Prize.
All Dressed Up I, 2024 Presented by Sabbia Gallery
2023 WINNER
Corban Clause Williams
Corban Clause Williams is a Manyjilyjarra artist from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, whose practice is rooted in time spent on Country at Kaalpa. Showing in the FUTURE sector at the inaugural Sydney Contemporary 2023, Williams’ work brought the untold narratives of remote Australian life to a national audience, and announced a singular voice in contemporary First Nations art. His selection as the first ever MA Art Prize winner set an extraordinary benchmark for the Prize.
Presented by EG Projects
THE JUDGES
2025 Judging Panel
Andrew Martin
Managing Director & Head of Asset Management, MA Financial
Andrew is a Managing Director at MA Financial Group and the Head of the firm’s Asset Management business. He has over 30 years’ experience in global investments as a principal investor and adviser across a range of sectors including real estate, infrastructure, private equity and energy. Driven by a strong passion for the arts, Andrew founded the MA Art Prize, complemented by his personal collection of contemporary art chronicling Australia’s artistic talent over recent decades.
Amelia Hill
Senior Advisor, MA Financial
Amelia is a Senior Advisor to the MA Growth Ventures team, assisting with new investments and as an advisor to existing portfolio companies, particularly ahead of further capital rounds or exits. With over 20 years of investment banking experience, Amelia brings a wealth of corporate advisory and capital raising knowledge to the team.
Jarrod Rawlins
Director of Curatorial Affairs, MONA
Jarrod is the Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmania. With previous experience in the commercial arts sector as co-founder and Director of Uplands Gallery, as well as founding partner of KalimanRawlins gallery. Rawlins has worked across multiple art fairs both domestically and abroad, and has written on contemporary art for many years in a variety of publications.
Sebastian Goldspink
Independent Curator
Independent curator and founder of ALASKA Projects Sebastian Goldspink is a proud descendant of the Burramattagal people of Western Sydney. He is the former Director of both the Hazelhurst Arts Centre and Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf. As a curator, he has presented national and international exhibitions in London, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Christchurch.In 2022, Goldspink curated the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia entitled Free/State. He is a regular writer and commentator on Australian contemporary art.
Sue Cato AM
Principal, Cato & Clive
Sue has been a leader in corporate communications and issues management for over 20 years and is an avid art collector. She is a board member of Carriageworks and is a member of Chief Executive Women. Sue is a regular panelist on ABC TV’s The Drum and on the 2UE Breakfast Show and is a commentator on business issues for the national press.
