Social commentary captures $25,000 Art Prize

Brisbane artist David Wells has been crowned the 20th Major Prize Winner of the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize, taking home $25,000 for his painting Dream house with a galah.

Selected from more than 460 entries nationwide, Wells’ work is a thought-provoking perspective on housing - a serious social issue facing communities across Australia today.

Wells takes the honour as the 20th Major Prize Winner in the region’s national art prize and walks away with $25,000.

His work now enters the Sunshine Coast Art Collection where it can be enjoyed by everyone now and into the future.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize celebrated the very best in contemporary art across Australia and was the flagship event for the regional gallery.

“This extraordinary work was one of 40 finalists selected from more than 460 entries from artists across Australia,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The standard was incredibly high – something I encourage everyone to see for themselves in the Sunshine Coast National Art Prize exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery.

“The work that captured the community, and a clear favourite in the People’s Choice award, was Seabastion Toast’s The River House.

“It’s always fascinating to see which artwork connects most deeply with our community and Seabastion’s piece, with its vibrant colour and playful themes, clearly resonated.

“This year marked two wonderful milestones: the 20th artwork to be added to the Sunshine Coast Art Collection through the Prize, and the Gallery’s 25th anniversary - achievements made possible thanks to the ongoing and generous support of our sponsors.

“For anyone who hasn’t seen the exhibition yet, it is a must-do visit before it closes on October 12.”

People’s Choice Winner: Seabastion Toast, The River House

Sunshine Coast National Art Prize Winners

• Major Prize Winner: David Wells, Dream house with a galah
• Highly Commended Award: Sam Harrison, Born Here, From There 
• People’s Choice Winner: Seabastion Toast, The River House
• Artist Residency Award: Naomi Hobson, Rare 

Highly Commended Award: Sam Harrison, Born Here, From There

Artist Residency Award: Naomi Hobson, Rare

Prizes and supporters

The Sunshine Coast National Art Prize is made possible thanks to the generous support of its supporters.

• Major Prize $25,000 – sponsored by Argon Law and Sunshine Coast Council
• Highly Commended Award $5000 – sponsored by the De Deyne Family
• People’s Choice Award: $2500 – sponsored by Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
• Artist residency accommodation – supported by Montville Country Cabins
• Artist residency vehicle – supported by Coastline BMW
• Artwork transport and logistics – supported by International Art Services (IAS)
• Exhibition catalogue – sponsored by Friends, Regional Gallery, Caloundra.

Where to view

The exhibition continues at Caloundra Regional Gallery until Sunday, October 12, 2025

Caloundra Regional Gallery is an accessible space, located 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra. The gallery is open 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am - 2pm weekends. 

Stay up to date with all the latest news, events and exhibitions by subscribing to the e-newsletter at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or following @caloundraregionalgallery on Facebook and Instagram.