9 by 5 exhibition 2023.

9 by 5 Exhibition

Exhibition dates: Saturday 13 February to Friday 7 May 2027

Tiny artworks, big impact. The 19th edition of the 9 by 5 exhibition returns to the Drum Theatre in 2027.

Inspired by the original 1889 Melbourne display featuring Tom Roberts, Charles Conder, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin, this open-entry program invites artists of all backgrounds across Australia to create works measuring 9 x 5 inches (22.86cm x 12.7cm). 

Arts in Greater Dandenong’s adaptation has now become a nationally recognised exhibition that celebrates diversity within the arts community, proving that small things can have a big impact. 

Entries are now open.

How to enter

Enter your 9 by 5 Artwork

Applications close – 5pm on Sunday 20 December 2026 (or until capacity has been reached).

Terms and Conditions

Please read the Terms and Conditions prior to entering. 

  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  •  Community Connections Award Winner 2025 - Talwinder Singh with his work: Dandenong Butter Factory, acrylic on canvas with palette knife. This award was sponsored by Bendigo Bank Dingley Village Community Bank. Photographer: Carla Gottgens.
    Community Connections Award Winner 2025 - Talwinder Singh with his work: Dandenong Butter Factory, acrylic on canvas with palette knife. This award was sponsored by Bendigo Bank Dingley Village Community Bank. Photographer: Carla Gottgens.
  • Highly Commended Award Winner 2025 - Skye Petho with her work: We Come from Nature, watercolour on recycled timber with ink overlay. This award was sponsored by Holiday Inn Dandenong. Photographer: Carla Gottgens
    Highly Commended Award Winner 2025 - Skye Petho with her work: We Come from Nature, watercolour on recycled timber with ink overlay. This award was sponsored by Holiday Inn Dandenong. Photographer: Carla Gottgens
  • Best in Show Award Winner 2025 - Ivan Dinsdale with his work: Ferns at Sherbrooke, acrylic on canvas. This award was sponsored by the City of Greater Dandenong. Photographer: Carla Gottgens.
    Best in Show Award Winner 2025 - Ivan Dinsdale with his work: Ferns at Sherbrooke, acrylic on canvas. This award was sponsored by the City of Greater Dandenong. Photographer: Carla Gottgens.
  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  • Award Winners at the 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    Award Winners at the 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  • People's Choice Award Winner 2025, Adrian Olguin. Nearing Full Carpophore, 2025, oil on wood, 9" x 5"
    People's Choice Award Winner 2025, Adrian Olguin. Nearing Full Carpophore, 2025, oil on wood, 9" x 5"
  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
  • 9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025
    9 by 5 exhibition installed in the Drum Theatre Foyer, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

On

Key Dates

  • Entries open - Saturday 5 September 2026
  • Entries close – 5pm on Sunday 20 December 2026 (or until capacity has been reached)
  • Delivery of artwork – Monday 25 January to Saturday 30 January 2027 (closed Tuesday 26 January due to Public Holiday)
  • Opening event – Saturday 13 February 2027, 3pm-5pm
  • Exhibition closes – Friday 7 May 2027, 4pm
  • Exhibition period - Monday 15 February - Friday 7 May 2027
  • Collection of artwork – Friday 7 May to Saturday 8 May 2027

Entry Information

  • Entry fee $15 for up to two (2) artworks
  • Entry fee is non-refundable and covers administration and handling expenses
  • Entry Fee does not cover freight of work/s to or from the venue

Entry Requirements

All exhibition entries must be clearly marked on the back of the artwork prior to delivery with:

  • Write 'top' at the side indicating the top of the artwork
  • Artist’s name
  • Artwork title
  • Artwork medium (Entries can be in any medium suitable for hanging on a wall with a gallery hanging system and not pose a safety risk. 3D and digital works will not be accepted.)
  • Year artwork was created
  • Sale price* (including 25% commission). Example: $200 + 25% of sale price = $250

*Please note: Artist must have a valid Australian bank account in their name to sell work. Otherwise, artwork must be marked Not For Sale (NFS).

Artwork Size Requirements

  • Artwork must measure exactly 9 x 5 inches (22.9 x 12.7cm).
  • Framed artworks maximum size, 12 x 8 inches (30.48 x 20.32cm). Artwork within the frame must measure exactly 9 x 5 inches. Framing is not mandatory.

Delivery and Collection of Artwork

Artwork must be received and collected from the Drum Theatre during opening hours, Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm on the following days.

Opening hours for delivery of artworks are:

  • Monday 25 January – Friday 29 January, 10am – 4pm (closed Tuesday 26 January due to Public Holiday)
  • Saturday 30 January, 11am – 3pm

Opening hours for collecting artworks are:

  • Friday 7 May, 4pm-7pm
  • Saturday 8 May, 11am-3pm
  • Monday 10 May – Friday 21 May 

If you cannot collect your work on these dates, a pre-paid envelope must be supplied for return postage.

All artworks must be collected within 30 days of exhibition closing. Uncollected artworks will be disposed of on Tuesday 8 June 2027 at the sole discretion of Council.

Prizes

  • Best in Show
    For outstanding artistic excellence - $2000 prize. Includes $1000 cash prize and display of winning artwork print on Dandenong’s Paste-Up Wall for six (6) months valued at $1000. Courtesy Greater Dandenong City Council
  • Community Connections  
    For artwork that reflects Greater Dandenong’s community spirit - $600 cash prize. Includes $500 cash prize sponsored by Dingley Village Community Bank and two $50 Food Tour vouchers valued at $100 courtesy of Dandenong Market.
  • Highly Commended
    For exceptional artistic merit - $750 cash prize. Courtesy Greater Dandenong City Council.
  • Packing Room
    Chosen by the exhibiting team - $250 cash prize. Courtesy Greater Dandenong City Council.
  • People’s Choice 
    Community favourite by popular votes - $500 cash prize. Sponsored by Corporate Partners Holiday Inn Dandenong.

Drum Theatre Address and Opening Hours

  • Address: Drum Theatre, corner Lonsdale and Walker Streets, Dandenong
  • Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am-4pm
  • Postal address: Drum Theatre, PO Box 200, Dandenong VIC 3175

Read about the 2026 Award Winners

  • Best in Show – Number 35 Strata by Ilona Jetmar
    For outstanding artistic excellence. ($2000 prize - includes $1000 cash prize and display of winning artwork print on Dandenong’s Paste-Up Wall opportunity valued at $1000 for six months, as assessed by the judging panel)
  • Community Connections – Number 75 The Big Three: General Motors Holden Dandenong by Talwinder (Noni) Singh
    For artwork that reflects Greater Dandenong’s community spirit ($500 prize. Courtesy of Community Bank Dingley Village)
  • Highly Commended – Number 225 Kingdom of Feathers by Leanie Erasmus
     For exceptional artistic merit ($750 prize. Courtesy of Greater Dandenong Arts)
  • Packing Room Prize – Number 182 The Vessel by Margaret Ho
    Chosen by the exhibiting team ($250 prize. Courtesy of Greater Dandenong Arts)
  • People’s Choice – Number 22 In a Mothers Arm by Shane Andrew Vandort
    Community favourite ($500 prize. Courtesy of Holiday Inn Dandenong). 

Explore Online

View all of the 225 artworks displayed below.

 

Drum Theatre

Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets Dandenong

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