Over the last 16 years, the Bowness Photography Prize has emerged as an important annual survey of contemporary photographic practice in Australia and one of the most prestigious prizes in the country. Monash Gallery of Art invited artists to submit still photo-based media including analogue and digital photography created over the last year for consideration. The winning work will be awarded $30,000 and will be acquired into MGA’s nationally significant collection of Australian photographs. The Smith & Singer People’s Choice Award will be voted by the public with the recipient receiving $5,000. One artist will also be selected for the $10,000 Wai Tang Commissioning Award which will coincide with the 2023 Bowness Photography Prize exhibition season.

The MGA Foundation recognises the importance of supporting practicing artists, and the positive impact the $30,000 prize money for both the winner and the $5,000 Smith & Singer People’s Choice Award will have on the recipients.