Karla Marchesi awarded 2026 Gold Award at Rockhampton Museum of Art

Karla Marchesi has been awarded the 2026 Gold Award for her painting ‘Wasted Waiting’ at the Rockhampton Museum of Art.

Now in its seventh iteration, the biennial Gold Award remains the richest painting prize in Queensland, offering a $50,000 acquisitive award. Named in honour of the late Rockhampton philanthropist Moya Gold, the prize continues her legacy by supporting contemporary Australian artists while enriching Rockhampton Museum of Art’s nationally significant collection. The 2026 prize was judged by eminent Australian artist Jenny Watson, whose influential conceptual painting practice spans more than four decades.

The exhibition featuring the invited artists will be on display at Rockhampton Museum of Art from 4 July to 6 September 2026, with free public entry.