Arts Journalism and Arts Criticism Prize

All Media: Arts Journalism and Arts Criticism Prize

Supported by the Geraldine Pascall Foundation

The Arts Journalism and Arts Criticism Prize recognises a significant contribution to arts journalism and/or cultural criticism. It rewards excellence in the reporting on or analysis of arts issues; and celebrates the unique contribution of critics to our cultural landscape and the specialist, detailed knowledge they draw on to contextualise their commentary.

Arts journalism examples may include profiles of artists, features, breaking news, investigations and the examination of the creative arena. Judges will give special regard to impact, incisiveness, technique, creativity, public benefit, the craft of storytelling and the breadth of research.

Arts criticism includes both reviews responding to the work or creation itself, and deeper criticism placing the work or creation in the context of the creator’s oeuvre, specific genre and/or the current (or historical) social, political or cultural landscape. Judges will consider critical thinking, balanced, rigorous argument and evaluation, depth of knowledge, ability to contextualise, and engaging, illuminating voices.

Work entered may relate to any aspect of the creative or performing arts. The word ‘arts’ is to be interpreted broadly so it can include, for example, journalism covering radio and television, music, photography, architecture, film, food and wine, literature, visual arts, performing arts and related industries.

Thanks to the support of the Hantomeli Foundation, the winner of this prize will receive $5000.

Books are not eligible to be entered into this prize. These should be entered into the Walkley Book Award.

Entries in this category must be a single piece of work or a series of no more than three related pieces. All entries must have been published or broadcast and available in Australia between April 16, 2024 and April 14, 2025.

Each entry to the Mid-Year Media Prizes is judged on how well it responds to:

• the category description; and 
• judging criteria. 

For more information on how judging works, including the judging criteria, please refer to the FAQs.

Your entry must comply with the following Terms & Conditions.

For entry support or questions, please contact Margie Smithurst, Senior Manager, Walkley Awards and Mid-Year Media Prizes: margie.smithurst@walkleys.com.

Supported by

If you have any further questions, please contact margie.smithurst@walkleys.com