The 2026 Dampier Art Awards have officially opened at Dampier Community Hall, celebrating artistic talent from across Dampier, Karratha and the wider Pilbara region.

This year’s theme, Diamond in the Rough, focuses on creativity, resilience and emerging local talent.

The awards, established in 2010, received 103 artwork submissions across eight categories, while the junior art awards, sponsored by Pilbara Ports, attracted 72 entries.

Dampier Art Awards operations manager Vicki Agnew said the event continued to unite the community through creativity and connection.

“With more than 100 artwork submissions received this year, along with incredible support from sponsors, artists and attendees, the 2026 event was a truly memorable celebration of Pilbara talent,” she said.

Former resident and award-winning artist Chelsea McAuliffe returned to judge both the main and junior competitions.

Guests at the opening night enjoyed catering from Soak in Dampier, guitar performances by Jake Schleicher and a live painting demonstration by Nikita Spires, whose artwork was auctioned during the evening.

Among the major winners, Melanie Johnston took out the theme category with Forged Beneath, while Nikita Spires received highly commended honours for Carving Light Through Stone.

In the landscape category, Raelene Postans won for Golden Light, with highly commended awarded to Maria Mori for I Am Made Of ALL The Colour And Textures Around Me.

Portrait category honours went to Katherine Tawse for Asternium, while Mimi Townsend received highly commended for Inner Maestro.

In the abstract section, Scherezada Badia won with Conversations With Roger, alongside highly commended recipient Karen Hancock for That’s What She Said.

The paper category was won by Bridget Henshaw for Brahman Flourish, with Kertu Ehala highly commended for Connection.

In the 3D category, Glen Slee claimed first place for Mother Repairs, while Ken Mulvaney earned highly commended for Freddy McFly.

In the Indigenous category, Bigali won for Pilbara Flowers And Bush Tucker, with Justina Willis highly commended for Pilbara Hills.

The youth category was dominated by Aimee Hornhardt, who won with Drifting Giant and also received highly commended recognition for Ocean Eclipse.

The People’s Choice award went to Ruby Smith for Pilbara Gold.

The event was backed by principal supporter City of Karratha and sponsors including Woodside Energy and Rio Tinto.

Winning and highly commended artworks will be on display at Dampier Hub until June 7.