Victorian artists invited to apply for The 2026 Urbach Landscape Prize and Studio Scholarship.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) invites Victorian-based artists to apply for the 2026 Theodore Urbach Landscape Prize and Studio Scholarship (“The Urbach”). Applications for the $10,000 prize and scholarship encouraging explorations in the field Australian landscape painting are currently open and will close on 15 December 2025.

Awarded to an individual Victorian-based artist working in the field of Australian landscape painting, The Urbach celebrates the creative process and acknowledges that artists need time and space to further their creative practice. The awarded artist will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a scholarship stipend of $5,000 to support them as they undertake the three-month, non-residential scholarship at SAM’s onsite artist studio from 3 March to 3 June 2026. In addition to the first prize, two runners-up will each be awarded a $2,500 prize in recognition of their time and commitment in developing their applications.

In 2025, The Urbach was awarded to artist Anthea Kemp, who used the scholarship period to volunteer and undertake research at the Euroa Arboretum, learning first-hand about their conservation programs, the flora of the region, and their work with the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, producing gouache studies and small oil paint sketches on-site at the Arboretum that were then developed into larger paintings in the SAM Artist Studio.

When reflecting on the experience of the Urbach, Kemp says:

“The special thing about the Urbach is the proximity to SAM and the SAM team. Working in a studio that is physically part of the museum created an affirming and dynamic space for me to work in. I could view artworks and then return to the studio with fresh insight, while also engaging with staff across departments — from curatorial and exhibitions management to marketing and communications. It’s an incredible opportunity and a rare insight into the workings of a major cultural institution for a practicing artist.

“My advice for artists considering applying is to make the most of the incredible support the SAM team offers throughout the application process. It’s rare to receive this level of guidance and feedback, and I highly recommend taking full advantage of it — not only for this opportunity, but as valuable insight you can carry into future applications as well.”

The Urbach program is generously supported by the Theodore Urbach Landscape Painting Scholarship and Prize Charitable Trust, managed by Equity Trustees. The trust, established through the will of late philanthropist and arts patron Theodore Urbach, was designed to provide prizes and scholarship opportunities to benefit artists and students working in the field of Australian landscape painting.

Online applications to The Urbach close on 15 December 2025. To view the full eligibility criteria,  program guidelines, and commence your application, visit the SAM website: https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/support-get-involved/the-urbach/

The Urbach 2026 Details:

• Open to artists working in the field of Australian landscape painting, which includes painting, drawing, and photography.
• Applicants must be living in Victoria.
  • The Urbach First Prize
    • $5,000 cash prize
    • $5,000 scholarship stipend
    • 3-month access to the SAM Artist Studio to undertake the scholarship
    • Tailored professional development opportunities.
  • The Urbach Second Prizes
    • $2,500 cash prize for two runners up in recognition of their time and commitment in developing their applications and presenting to the panel.

Applications close: 15 December 2025

Image: 2025 Urbach recipient Anthea Kemp in the SAM Artist Studio, 2025. Photo: Leon Schoots