Despard Gallery is proud to share that emerging Tasmanian artist Jonny Scholes has been selected as a finalist in the churchie emerging art prize.
Established in 1987 by Anglican Church Grammar School, the churchie emerging art prize is one of Australia’s longest-running awards for emerging artists, dedicated to promoting innovation and excellence across all subjects and mediums. The annual non-acquisitive prize is recognised as a vital launchpad for emerging artists, offering a snapshot of contemporary artistic practice in Australia. The 2026 finalists were selected by a pre-selection panel from an outstanding field of submissions that demonstrated innovation, originality, technical excellence and diverse artistic perspectives.
From a diverse and talented field of 550 entries from across the country, Scholes is one of seventeen exceptional emerging artists that have been selected as finalists this year in the running for a first prize of $40,000
Scholes will present his multimedia work titled The Department of Truth, which was recently presented as part of Hobart Current at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Scholes interactive artwork explores ideas around the how we consume information online and our ability to determine factuality within an expanding digital future.
All Australian states and territories are represented as part of this year’s churchie, with a first prize of $40,000. This year’s chief judge for the prize is Jason Smith, Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA).
The selected finalists will present their work at a Finalists Exhibition from 25 July to 8 August 2026 at Metro Arts, West End, Brisbane. Read more about the finalists and exhibition here.
Despard Gallery is excited to host Jonny Scholes inaugural solo exhibition in 2027.
