The first PIAZZA Photography Prize exhibition will transform Fremantle's PIAZZA into an open-air gallery this weekend, showcasing 65 finalist works from both established professionals and emerging photographers. With a total prize pool of $6,000, the exhibit aims to highlight Western Australian photographic talent and make art accessible to the community.
Exhibition Details and Prize
The exhibit runs from July 11 to July 26, 2026, with winners announced on Friday, July 24. PIAZZA creative director Sam Bloor conceived the unique open-air format to give photographers a platform to display their work as part of the city's public fabric. “Fremantle has always been shaped by its artists, and this prize is about recognising that and creating space for it,” Bloor said. “It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity to showcase the breadth of photographic talent in WA and to give people a platform to have their work seen as part of the public fabric of the city.”
Selection and Judging Process
Fremantle photographer Adam Kenna selected the 65 final pieces from a wide range of submissions. Artists were encouraged to capture whatever inspired them, from familiar streetscapes to community characters. The finalists will be judged by a panel including Christine Thomas, director of Perth Centre for Photography; Marnie Richardson, photographer at Three Gates Media; and Ron Bradfield Jnr, artist and community engagement facilitator at John Curtin Gallery.
Community and Artistic Vision
PIAZZA owner Bronwyn Owen, who purchased the space for $12.5 million in September 2025 after years of neglect, has been revitalising the iconic Fremantle location with community events, art installations, and revegetation. “Artists bring energy, perspective and identity to a place, and that’s something we want to champion at PIAZZA,” Owen said. “This exhibition puts that creativity front and centre, in a way that’s open and accessible to everyone, and continues to build on the belief that artists make Freo.”
Exhibition Access
The open-air gallery allows locals and visitors to wander through the PIAZZA and view the diverse photographic works free of charge. The exhibition is part of ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the historic Fremantle site as a cultural hub.
