Linden Postcard Show 2026

Now in its 36th year, the Linden Postcard Show is an open-access exhibition. Everyone is welcome to take part. It is held annually to provide creatives with the opportunity to showcase their artwork to a wide audience. It is a celebration of creativity and a platform for artists to display, and sell, their work.

All entries must be completed online via the Linden New Art website. Please submit your entry via the online form above. Once your form is submitted and your entry fee is paid, your place in the show is confirmed. Make sure to read the full Terms & Conditions and FAQs before you begin.

Entries close at midnight on Sunday, 3 May 2026. Please note that the number of entries is capped at 1000 artworks, and if that number is reached prior to the deadline, entries will be closed early.

Each artist can submit one, two or a maximum of three works.

The entry fee varies based on the number of works:

• General Entry: $45 for one work, $60 for two works, and $70 for three works.
• Student Concession Entry: $35 for one work, $50 for two works, and $60 for three works.

Entry is free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.

Entry fees are non-refundable.

The entry fee helps offset the additional administrative and labour costs related to organising an exhibition of this scale. All surplus funds are directed towards supporting Linden New Art’s exhibition program.

Apart from student concessions, no other discounts apply. We offer a discount for students, to encourage the next generation of artists to enter, and because there is a dedicated student prize.

Works must arrive at Linden New Art between Tuesday 5 May and Sunday 17 May 2026. In person delivery during gallery opening hours (11 am – 4 pm, Tuesday – Sunday) is preferable, please do not leave artworks outside the gallery.  Works that cannot be hand delivered may be posted at the artist’s expense. Any loss or damage caused to work while in transit is the responsibility of the artist.  

A full list of prizes will be released closer to the exhibition opening. See here for last year’s prizes.

The format and entry requirements of the Postcard Show have changed a number of times over its 35-year history. The decision to move away from artworks limited to 8 x 10 inches comes from artist feedback and a desire for a more inclusive and dynamic exhibition. By broadening our entry criteria, we aim to support a wider range of artistic practice and new voices. This change reflects our commitment to embracing diversity and fostering a more vibrant and engaging community.

The Linden Postcard Show 2026 will be moving forward in this year’s program, to its new permanent home as Linden’s major Winter Exhibition. The exhibition dates will be 6 June - 1 August  2026. There are a number of reasons for this change, not least of which is to increase audience engagement and artwork sales.

2D artworks must not exceed 60cm in height, 60cm in width, and 10cm in depth, including the frame.

3D artworks must be no larger than 60cm in height, 40cm in width, and 40cm in depth, including the base. They must be freestanding and weigh no more than 10kg.

AV stands for audio-visual. In the context of the Linden Postcard Show this may include moving image (eg. Video), sound, and interactive works.

Yes, however audio-visual artworks must be discussed with Linden staff in advance of entering, and come supplied with all required equipment. They must also be tagged and tested, or they will not be exhibited.

Artworks on paper should be preferably framed for display. If unframed, please specify how the work is to be attached to the wall (eg. Pins, tabs) and supply these with artwork.

Artworks must have a secure hanging/display system, or they will not be included in the exhibition.

All artworks must be completed within the past twelve months, and have not been exhibited in a previous Linden Postcard Show exhibition.

As well as generating income for artists through artwork sales, the Postcard Show is also an important source of income for Linden’s exhibition program, with revenue from entry fees and sales commission going to support the program. While we prefer artworks are available for sale, this is not mandatory. If an artwork sells during this time, the gallery retains a 30% sales commission plus GST. The GST amount collected by Linden varies depending on whether an artist Is registered for GST or not. That is, the commission is calculated on the artists sale price before GST. This is why we ask for your ABN and if you are registered for GST as part of your entry.

As part of Linden New Art’s commitment to Reconciliation,  First Nations artists will receive 100% of the sale price of their artworks, ie. Linden will not take any commission on sales of works by First Nations artists.

All payments will be processed within 30 days of exhibition closing date. All payments to artists for sold work are made by Direct Deposit. Please ensure your current bank account details are provided with your submission. Additionally, you must either provide a current Australia Business Number (ABN); OR complete and upload a Statement by Supplier Form, which can be accessed via the entry form.

We encourage all artists with unsold works to collect their works on the last day of the exhibition, Sunday 2 August , 11 am – 4 pm. You will be able to take your works straight off the wall.

If you are not able to collect your work on this date, you will be able to do so between the 25 August and 6 September 2026, during opening hours (11 am – 4 pm, Tuesdays – Sundays).

If you want your unsold works returned via post, then you must select the return postage option on the entry form. You will be invoiced for postage and packaging/handling fee, prior to your artworks being posted. Artworks will be posted approximately 4 weeks after the exhibition closes. If you do not select postage on the entry form, then you will be responsible for collecting your work in person.

All artworks are to be collected within 50 days of the exhibition's closure; any artworks that are not collected within this specified timeframe will be disposed of by the gallery on day 51.