Art Collector issue #117 (July–September 2026) is now available. This quarter we turn to Under 5K—our essential guide to the artists you might be surprised to learn have work available for less than AU$5,000, proof that collecting with intent has nothing to do with budget. Plus, our Art Fair Report and a personal portrait of the late John Nixon.

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From the Magazine

The Generous Eye: Ian Bernadt

Perth physician and philanthropist Ian Bernadt has been collecting art for more than sixty years, from Japanese prints picked up as a child in Cape Town to major works by Australia’s greatest painters. He talks about the ones that got away, the joy of giving, and how the best painting in the show is rarely the most expensive.

Breaking News: Richard Lewer

Responding to his daily newsfeed with paint, Richard Lewer brings fifty-one new works to the Aotearoa Art Fair — a compendium of political flashpoints, personal memory and social observation distilled into an “over-stylised simplicity”.

Emma Buswell in her studio.

Cool Hunter: Emma Buswell

Emma Buswell transforms kitsch cultural moments like the Coles roast chicken bachelor’s handbags into labour-intensive textile works that probe power, mythology, and the absurdities of contemporary Australian life.

Curator’s Radar: Atong Atem

From her monumental self-portrait at the National Portrait Gallery to presentations at Tate Modern and Paris Photo, the South-Sudanese artist’s practice continues to assert new narratives of identity and belonging.

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PODCAST

Lauretta Morton on Reimagining Newcastle Art Gallery

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News

The Larrakia Cultural Centre opens to the public

After more than 20 years of planning and development, the Larrakia Cultural Centre has finally opened its doors.

The Calleen Art Prize Winner Announced

Over 400 entries were received but Sydney based-artist Anthony Cahill has beaten out the competition taking the $30,000 prize.

Major Summer Programme Announced at Bundanon Art Museum

Grounded in collaboration, cultural exchange and connection to country, Bundanon presents two major solo exhibitions for their upcoming Summer Programme.

Sculpture Takes Over

Twenty artists move into the rooms and gardens of Billilla Mansion this October for the second Melbourne Sculpture Biennale.

Elyas Alavi wins the inaugural Artbank Award

Over 740 entries. Eight finalists, one from each state and territory. One work acquired into the national collection.

Richard Lewer’s Steve begins a three-year national tour

Renée Estée wins the 2026 MA Art Prize

Australian painter Renée Estée has been named the winner of the 2026 MA Art Prize.

Nathan Beard wins final National Photographic Portrait Prize

After almost two decades celebrating the diversity of Australian photographic portraiture, the National Photographic Portrait Prize enters its final chapter.

Word to your Mother

mothermother collective's latest collaboration with Sanderson proposes matriarchal futures as a model for exhibition-making in precarious times.

Record field named for 2026 Fisher’s Ghost Art Award

Campbelltown's long-running prize returns for its 64th year.

Australian Pavilion to anchor Art OMI’s expansion in upstate New York

Collector Francis Greenburger reveals plans for the first national pavilion at Art OMI Pavilions — a permanent Hudson Valley home for contemporary Australian and First Nations art.

Sydney Contemporary names 2026 MA Art Prize finalists

Drawing from a record number of submissions in a year that also sees the fair reach a milestone.
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What’s On: Commercial Galleries

Animal Gift

August 15 – September 26, 2026

Arts Project Australia

MORE EXHIBITIONS

What’s On: Public and Regional Galleries

Chogh چوغ

July 1 – October 24, 2026

Bundoora Homestead Art Centre

Kumarangk

August 29 – November 8, 2026

The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre

MORE EXHIBITIONS

Art Collector Guides

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Art Collector acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country across Australia, the land on which we live, work, and create.

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