Darebin Local Art Salon 2027

Next date: Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 09:00 AM to Tuesday, 08 December 2026 | 04:00 PM

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Calling all artists & makers, this is your chance to exhibit with us!

The Darebin Local Art Salon celebrates art, creativity and expression within our community. All artists who live, work, study or base their creative practice in the City of Darebin are invited to exhibit an artwork at the spectacular Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.

The Darebin Local Art Salon is a major community art prize and exhibition that provides a platform for local artists and makers at any stage in their career to exhibit in a public art gallery. It is free to enter, and all submissions will be exhibited up to and including the 160th entry.

Formerly known as the A1 Darebin Art Salon, this year we’ve got a new format! The exhibition has been reimagined to include 3D and 2D works. Submitted artworks must:

  • Have been created between 2025- 2026.
  • 3D artworks must be no larger than 60cm in any dimension and weigh less than 10kg.
  • 2D artworks must be no larger than 60 x 60cm.
  • Artworks can be any medium except for those that require access to power.

The application link will go live here on this webpage on Thursday 29 October 2026.

PRIZES 

Participating artists are eligible to win the following prizes:  

The Darebin Local Art Salon Award

Four People’s Choice Awards will be awarded in the following categories:   

  • Works on Paper Prize
  • Sculpture Prize
  • Textile/Mixed Media Prize
  • Painting Prize  
KEY DATES 

Entries Open | Thursday 29 October 2026 
Information Session | Wednesday 11 November 2026, 6pm- 6:45pm. RSVP here
Entries Close | Tuesday 8 December 2026, 4pm
Successful applicants notified | Friday 22 January 2027
Delivery of Works | Wednesday 24 February- Saturday 27 February 2027
Exhibition Dates | Saturday 10 March- Saturday 5 June 2027  
Opening Event and Prize Announcement | Saturday 13 March 2027
Collection of Works | Wednesday 9 June– Saturday 12 June 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be an information session to learn more about applying for the Darebin Local Art Salon?

Yes! Please join us for an online information session on Wednesday 11 November, 6- 6:45pm. RSVP here

Are there any size restrictions?

Yes. All 2D artworks must be 60 x 60 x 5cm or smaller, inclusive of any frames or backing boards. All 3D artworks must be no larger than 60 x 60 x 60cm.

What if its only 1cm larger than 60cm?

Sorry, but this will not be accepted. Artworks are to be strictly as listed or smaller.

My work has multiple parts, such as a triptych - can I submit it?

Yes, if the entire work (all parts) fit within the dimensions of 60 x 60 x 60cm or less.

What media is allowed?

Most mediums are allowed as long as the work doesn’t require electricity, can be hung on a wall (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, collage, textiles), or placed on a plinth (sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and small objects). Any 3D works that can be classed as jewellery must come in a secure box with a hole in the bottom of the box so that it can be tethered to a plinth.

Can I submit A/V artworks or works requiring electricity?

Audio visual works such as moving image, sound, or digital screen-based works, are not accepted for the Art Salon. Any works requiring electricity will not be allowed.

Does my work need a hanging system?

If your work is framed or on canvas it must have a secure hanging/display system such as D-rings, or it will not be included in the exhibition.

My work needs to be pinned to a wall. Is that possible?

Yes, works can be pinned to the wall. Alternatively, we have magnets that can be used to display unframed works on paper. Note that we cannot guarantee that these will not leave a mark. Please attach hanging tabs to your work should you wish for it not to obtain marks or pin-holes.

Who can enter?

Artists may be of any age and must live, work, study or base their creative practice in the City of Darebin. Artists entering the Salon do not need to be represented by a gallery. City of Darebin council employees cannot enter.

Do I have to live in Darebin’s municipality to enter?

You must live, work, study, or base your creative practice in the City of Darebin to enter.

What if I live very close to Darebin, but it’s considered part of another council?

Sorry, but you will not be accepted into the Salon. You must live, work, study or base your creative practice in the City of Darebin.

Does it cost anything to enter?

No. There is no cost to enter.

Is there a restriction on when the artwork was created?

Artists may enter original work created between 2025 – 2026.

Can I submit more than one artwork?

No, only one work per person may be submitted.

Can I submit an artwork that has been shown before in another gallery?

Yes, artists may submit work that has already been shown. We recommend proposing a work that hasn't been presented before at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre.

I am unable to access and/or use a computer to submit my artwork, or have other access requirements, what can I do?

Please contact bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au or call 03 8470 8888 to organise a chat about how you can make a submission. If you require translation support, please call 03 8470 8470. You can call us through the National Relay Service.

If I enter the Salon does it mean my work will automatically be exhibited?

Due to space restrictions, only the first 160 applications will be accepted, so long as they meet the Terms and Conditions.

Will Bundoora Homestead Art Centre cover transport of the artwork (delivery/return)?

No. Transport is the responsibility of the artist. All entries must be delivered to and collected from Bundoora Homestead. In person delivery is preferred but postal deliveries will also be accepted.

When can I collect my work?

Finalists must collect their work between Wednesday 9 June – Saturday 12 June 2027. Finalists' artwork is required to be shown for the duration of the exhibition.

Will Bundoora Homestead sell my work/will my work be for sale?

The Gallery will not coordinate artwork sales, however we will collect interested buyers’ contact details and forward the information through to the entrant where applicable. It is the entrant’s responsibility to process artwork sales and hand over sold artworks to the buyer after the conclusion of the exhibition.

                  

Please read our FAQs carefully. If you still have questions you can contact us on 03 9496 1060/ bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au (Wed- Sat, 11am- 4pm).


Image: A1 Darebin Art Salon Opening Event 2025. Photography credit: Lucy Foster

When

  • Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 09:00 AM - Tuesday, 08 December 2026 | 04:00 PM

Location

Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre, 7 Prospect Hill Dr, Bundoora, 3083, View Map

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