9 by 5 Exhibition

Exhibition dates: Monday 16 March to Friday 1 May

Tiny artworks, big impact. The 18th edition of the 9 by 5 exhibition returns to the Drum Theatre.

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.

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 – Winner announced Monday 27 April
Community favourite ($500 prize. Courtesy of Holiday Inn Dandenong). After exploring the exhibition, you can vote for your favorite online.

Explore Online

View all of the 225 artworks displayed below.

View Digital catalogue: 9 by 5 Exhibition 2026

You may even find a favourite to buy and enjoy at home.

Purchase Artwork from 9 by 5 Exhibition 2026

And don’t forget to vote in the People’s Choice award. Select the number of the artwork you think is most deserving of the People's Choice crown.

Opening hours

The Drum Theatre is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

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.
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.
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
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