Artists and creatives of the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions are invited to apply to SAM Selects 2026 and SAM Spotlight 2026, two opportunities tailored to emerging, early, and mid-career creatives to exhibit in Shepparton Art Museum’s (SAM) Hugh D.T. Williamson Community Gallery.
SAM Selects accepts proposals from artists, curators, creative practitioners and community groups to exhibit an original creative project or body of work in the Community Gallery at SAM, offering a rare opportunity to present within a major art museum. In 2026, the successful SAM Selects exhibition will receive $1,000 to support project delivery. Proposals should consist of existing work by a single artist or collaborative group that is ready for display.
SAM Spotlight is a paid solo exhibition opportunity dedicated to showcasing the work of an emerging artist living and working in the Goulburn Valley region. The successful SAM Spotlight artist will work closely with the SAM Curator – Community to create a new body of work over twelve months to present as an exhibition in the Hugh D.T Williamson Community Gallery at SAM.
“Participating in SAM Spotlight or SAM Selects is a great step towards connecting your creative practice with a large audience,” said Caroline Esbenshade, SAM Curator – Community.
“I strongly encourage every eligible artist and creative practitioner in our region with a creative project waiting to be shown, or an emerging artist who is ready to take the next leap in their practice, to put together a submission for 2026, and to join us for our upcoming information session on September 8.”
Applications for SAM Selects 2026 and SAM Spotlight 2026 are now open until Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Full eligibility details, downloadable templates, and application forms can be found on the SAM website, www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.
