The Centenary Pools Art Prize invites artists and creatives to explore the architectural, cultural and community legacy of Brisbane's iconic Centenary Pool Complex. With a total prize pool of $33,000, the Art Prize welcomes creative interpretations of the pool's design, history and the memories associated with this much-loved Brisbane landmark. Before submitting, please review the information below.
For more than sixty years, Centenary Pool has been deeply woven into the story of Brisbane — a place where generations have learned to swim, trained, competed, gathered, and grown.
A true zeitgeist of its era, the pool opened in 1959, just three years after Australia’s triumphant showing at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. That moment — defined by national icons like Dawn Fraser and Murray Rose — ignited a cultural passion for swimming across the country. Brisbane responded with its own bold civic expression: the Centenary Pool Complex, designed by then-City Architect James Birrell.
The result was a public place like no other — sculptural in form, embedded in its landscape, and ambitious in its vision. A celebration of modernist design and public spirit, it stood as both a functional facility and a cultural statement.
Now, as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Centenary Pools Project invites us to pause and reflect:
What should be remembered?
What deserves to shape our city’s future?
Through creative storytelling, visual art, public memory, and architectural recognition, this project offers a living tribute to one of Brisbane’s most important civic landmarks — and a platform for reimagining how it can inspire future generations.
Further dates relating to finalist selection, artwork delivery and the exhibition will be announced.
Further details about category eligibility and judging criteria are to be confirmed.
The Centenary Pools Art Prize is open to artists and creatives who meet the following eligibility requirements:
All entries must respond to Brisbane's Centenary Pool.
The Art Prize welcomes original creative responses to Centenary Pool across a range of disciplines, including:
Visual artworks must be two-dimensional and suitable for display as a hanging artwork. Digital artworks must be presented in printed form if selected for exhibition.
Video works and installations requiring power are not eligible.
All entries must be original.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Entries created or modified in whole or in part using generative artificial intelligence (AI) are not eligible for the Centenary Pools Art Prize.
All submitted works must be original and created by the entrant without the use of generative AI.
Entries must be submitted online through the official Centenary Pools Art Prize entry form. Entrants will need to provide:
Multiple entries are permitted, however a separate entry form must be completed for each submission.
Entries close at 6pm AEST on 30 June 2027.
For enquiries about the Centenary Pools Art Prize, please contact: eva.m@placedesigngroup.com