What is the Judy Wheeler Commission?
The Judy Wheeler Commission is a 10-year site-specific commissioning program established in memory of the late Judy Wheeler, generously supported by the Simpson Family.
Awarded annually, the Judy Wheeler Commission supports new artwork commissions by Australia-based artists that respond physically or conceptually to the architecture and history of PICA’s building and its site.
Artists are encouraged to match PICA’s spirit of risk and experimentation, addressing spaces that PICA’s visitors move through when visiting the building, including its foyer, stairwells and balcony mezzanine.
Each commission is installed for up to a one-year period.
The recipient of the Judy Wheeler Commission will receive:
- $10,000 artist fee (plus superannuation)
- $10,000 towards development and production expenses
- Up to $5,000 towards travel expenses (airfares, accommodation, per diem) should travel to Perth be required.
- Presentation as part of PICA’s 2026 program
- Support from PICA’s curatorial and exhibitions team
Who can apply?
Entering its fourth year, the Judy Wheeler Commission invites all Australia-based artists who are age 17+ to apply. Artists can be at any stage of their career (i.e. from emerging to established) and work in mediums that include, but are not limited to, painting, sculpture, sound and video.
All applicants are encouraged to read the following guidelines and, where relevant, include details of any potential cultural partnerships or consultation they would like to undertake as part of their commission within their application.
- Creative Australia’s Protocols for using First Nations Cultural & Intellectual Property in the Arts
- NAVA’s First Nations Summary of Good Practice Recommendations
Applicants must be available to travel to Perth to install the work and participate in public program events in early February 2026.
What are the Selection Criteria?
1. Eligibility
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Program Objectives
Applications must address some or all of the objectives of the Judy Wheeler Commission, which are to support works that:
- Are accessible, high-quality and celebrate the breadth and inventiveness of contemporary arts practice in Australia;
- Respond to or challenge the architecture and history of PICA’s building and site;
- Spark curiosity and expand the relevance and reach of contemporary arts experiences;
- Activate the spaces through which visitors enter and move through PICA; and
- Support the careers of artists that reflect the diversity of Australian society.
3. Feasibility
The proposed artwork must be appropriate to be installed within the PICA building and be deliverable within the timelines and budget set out.
Register for an Online Meeting
Interested artists are encouraged to register for an online meeting in May to discuss their proposal.
This will be an opportunity to meet with members of PICA’s team to discuss your application and any questions before submitting.
These meetings will take place online on Wednesday 21 May 2–4pm (AWST) and Wednesday 28 May 10am–12pm (AWST).
To register for a 20-minute online meeting, please use the online booking form below.
If you would like a meeting but are not available on either of these dates, please contact gemma.benary@pica.org.au
How can I submit an Expression of Interest application?
Artists are invited to submit an application by completing the following;
Please send through your completed application and documents to gemma.benary@pica.org.au by Monday 9 June 2025, 5pm (AWST).
Who is on the Selection Panel?
The 2026 JWC Selection Panel will include Hannah Mathews, Director/CEO PICA; Amanda Bell, artist and 2025 Judy Wheeler Commission Artist; and Paul Boyé, curator, Goolugatup Heathcote.
The Selection Panel will make a short list of artists based on applications received and will hold interviews with these artists on Thursday 19 June, 10am–12pm (AWST). The selected artist will be notified on Monday 23 June 2025.
How will I be supported if I am successful?
The selected artist will work closely with the PICA’s curatorial and exhibitions team throughout the development, fabrication and installation of the work.
Important dates
| EOI applications open online | Tuesday 13 May 2025 |
| Online artist meetings | 21 & 28 May 2025 |
| EOI applications close | Monday 9 June 2025, 5pm (AWST) |
| Shortlisted artist interviews | Thursday 19 June, 10am-12pm (AWST) |
| Successful artist notified | Monday 23 June 2025 |
| 2026 JWC Artist announcement | Monday 7 July 2025 |
| Artwork development & production | July – December 2025 |
| Artwork installation | 19 January – 30 January 2026 |
| Launch event | 5 February 2026 |
Application support
For any questions or if you need to submit your application in a format different to the form provided, please contact Gemma Ben-Ary on (08) 9228 6300 or gemma.benary@pica.org.au
If you are unexpectedly unwell or experience some other kind of last-minute interruption that means you will not be able to meet this deadline and require a few additional days, please get in touch with us prior to the closing time to discuss.
Further Facts and FAQ’s
Where can I access more information on the PICA building and site?
Images, floor plans and information on the history of the PICA building and site can be found on PICA’s Dropbox.
Who were the previous recipients?
Can a collective of artists apply?
Yes, however the artist fee will remain $10,000 and will need to be distributed among the collective members. Additionally, PICA can only support travel costs for up to $5,000.
Do I have to be based in WA to apply?
You do not need to be based in WA to apply. Applications are open to artists based in all states and territories across Australia.
What should my application include?
The following items need to be submitted to apply for the Judy Wheeler Commission:
- Artwork proposal addressing:
– Artwork concept and materials;
– Proposed PICA location for the artwork;
– Timeline with key milestones;
– How the artwork responds to the objectives of the 2025 Judy Wheeler Commission
– Any cultural consultation or partnerships you’d like to undertake in the realisation of your work. - Artist CV (written, max 2 x A4 pages)
- Visual presentation of proposed artwork (drawings or similar, max 5 images)
- Examples of relevant existing artworks (max 5 images)
Please note that PICA may request additional information or clarification from the applicant if shortlisted.
Is it possible to submit my application in an alternative format?
Yes, please contact gemma.benary@pica.org.au if you require further information.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
Only 1 submission per individual artist will be accepted. An artist can however submit an additional application as part of an artist collective.
Can the proposed work have been previously presented?
No, the proposed work must be new and made specifically for the Judy Wheeler Commission and PICA site.
Which spaces in PICA are available for proposed commission works?
All spaces in the PICA building excluding galleries, studios and administration spaces are available for artists to consider in their proposal. This includes the stairwells, hallways, mezzanine balcony and windows.
Do I have to select one PICA space for my proposal?
No, you can propose to use multiple areas of the PICA building, excluding gallery spaces.
If I am unsuccessful in my application, can I get feedback on my submission?
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide feedback to each applicant. We do, however, encourage you to maintain a relationship with PICA and apply again in the future.
Are applications going to open every year, or are you programming all the works for the next 10 years this year?
Don’t worry! We are excited to see what future artists have to offer. Applications are open every year.
