Artists from across Australia and around the world are being invited to apply for the BigCi Environmental Awards 2026, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural landscapes of the Hawkesbury and Greater Blue Mountains while developing new creative works inspired by the environment.
The annual awards, hosted by BigCi (Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives), are now open for submissions from artists working across a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, installation, multimedia, performance, literature, music, photography, filmmaking and curatorial practice.
Two winners will each receive a four-week residency at BigCi together with prize money of $5,000.
Located at Bilpin on the western edge of the Hawkesbury, BigCi has built an international reputation as a creative residency centre where artists engage with environmental themes and the natural world.
As part of the residency program, award recipients will have the opportunity to undertake guided explorations of the Wollemi, Blue Mountains and Gardens of Stone National Parks. Research support relevant to their projects will also be provided.
The works developed during the residencies will be presented to the public at a future BigCi Open Day event.
BigCi Artistic Director Rae Bolotin said the awards continue to attract artists interested in exploring the relationship between creativity, landscape and environmental issues.
The awards are supported by Hadley Green, whose ongoing sponsorship has helped sustain the program. The judging panel for the 2026 awards is expected to be announced in coming weeks.
Artists wishing to enter have until 2 August 2026 to submit their applications, with winners to be announced on 22 August 2026. An entry fee of $40 applies.
BigCi has become a significant cultural presence in the Hawkesbury, regularly hosting Australian and international artists and providing opportunities for local residents to engage with contemporary creative practice in a unique bushland setting.
The Environmental Awards are designed to encourage artists to respond to some of Australia's most significant natural landscapes while fostering public discussion about environmental stewardship, conservation and the role of art in understanding place.
For many artists, the combination of residency support, access to nationally significant landscapes and the opportunity to present work to the community makes the awards one of the more distinctive environmental arts opportunities available in Australia.
Applications and submission guidelines are available through BigCi's website.
Key Dates
- Applications close: 2 August 2026
- Winners announced: 22 August 2026
- Prize: Four-week BigCi residency plus $5,000
- Entry fee: $40
About BigCi
BigCi (Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives) is an artist residency and creative research centre based at Bilpin in the Hawkesbury. The organisation hosts Australian and international artists working across a diverse range of disciplines and is known for fostering projects that explore environmental, cultural and social themes through creative practice.
