Applications for 2026 now open!
After years of running at the beginning of the year, Petite Pieces returns this June in a refined new format... introducing, The 100.
Rather than focusing on volume like it's little sister competition, "Foot Square", this year’s "Petite Pieces" has been intentionally refined. Bringing together a curated selection of 100 artists from across Australia, Petite Pieces: The 100 offers a broad snapshot of contemporary practice in Australia, with selected artists exhibiting small works at Aspire Gallery throughout July and August.
Designed to feel energetic, considered, and discovery-driven, The 100 celebrates the diversity of emerging and established artists working across a range of mediums, styles, and subject matter.
FEATURED WORK BELOW: OUR 2025 WINNER, ISABELLE EMMERTON
All the details
The Opportunity
Alongside exhibiting, one finalist will be awarded:
- Representation with Aspire Gallery
- A Solo Exhibition with Aspire Gallery
- Inclusion in all three Affordable Art Fair Australia events (Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) across 2026 and/or 2027.
Submission Details
Exhibition Dates:
18 July – 15 August 2026
Eligible Works:
Small-scale original artworks, under 50cm (framed) in any direction.
Mediums:
Open to all mediums, including 3D.
Submission Fee:
$25 per artwork submission.
(Artists are welcome to submit multiple works for inclusion).
Key Dates
Applications Open:
Friday 15 May 2026
Applications Close:
Sunday 28 June 2026 (11:59pm AEST)
Notification of Acceptance:
Friday 3 July 2026
Artwork Delivery Window:
4 – 15 July 2026
(In person, Saturday 4 and Saturday 11 July).
Works can be couriered / shipped from interstate or out of Brisbane anytime, just must arrive before 15 July.
Pre-Sale Catalogue Release:
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Exhibition Opens:
Saturday 18 July 2026
Selection Process
Artists will be selected based on several factors:
- aesthetic appeal;
- finished quality (including framing, if applicable for 2D works);
- price;
- subject matter;
- technique; and
- commercial appeal (to our particular market).
We also take into account curating a balance of subject matters for the exhibition, and if / where works have been showcased in the last twelve months.
As this exhibition has been intentionally limited to 100 artists, not all submissions will be accepted.
Other submission guidelines
Artists may submit multiple works for consideration. If chosen as one of the 100 finalists, one or more of the submitted works may be chosen to be showcased.
All works must be available for sale for the duration of the exhibition.
Works must be original and completed within the last 24 months.
Selected works must arrive exhibition-ready.