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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.