Copyright Agency invites mid-career and established visual artists to apply for major commission at ECU Gallery
February 2, 2026
Applications are open until 16 March 2026 for the Copyright Agency Partnerships (CAP) exhibition for a visual artist at ECU Gallery, Perth
CAP is an annual series to support major commissions for mid-career and established visual artists in partnership with leading art galleries and cultural organisations around Australia.
In 2026, Copyright Agency is partnering with Edith Cowan University Gallery to create and present a significant opportunity for visual artists, with an exhibition from 12 February – 7 May 2027.
Mid-career and established visual artists working in all media and mediums are eligible to apply. A mid-career or established artist will have developed an independent body of work and practice over several years, or to have reached a high level of achievement in their career, gaining recognition and acclaim for their contributions to their discipline and sector.
This grant is valued at $80,000, inclusive of artist fee and project funds towards the development and presentation of a new commission.
In addition, ECU in partnership with North Metropolitan TAFE will contribute in-kind support of up to $8,000 towards accommodation and access to studio facilities.
Applications close 16 March 2026. For more information and to apply, visit Copyright Agency Partnerships.
‘A CAP commission is a significant career defining moment for a visual artist. This is a rare opportunity to work with ECU Gallery in Perth to create new work alongside an experienced and ambitious curatorial team. Copyright Agency through our Cultural Fund has developed an exceptional program for visual artists, partnering with the very best curators and galleries around the country. We are delighted to work with such passionate and talented people in creating new exhibition opportunities for Australian artists,’ said Josephine Johnston, Copyright Agency CEO.
‘ECU is proud to partner with Copyright Agency to support artists and strengthen contemporary creative practice. This partnership creates a significant opportunity for an artist to develop and present ambitious new work, with funding support. Working alongside Copyright Agency reflects ECU’s core values of creativity, collaboration and impact and reinforces ECU’s commitment to championing artistic excellence, while investing directly in the artists who shape Australia’s cultural landscape.’ Clothilde Bullen, Manager Arts, Culture and Collections, ECU Gallery.
From 2025 to 2028, the Copyright Agency will partner with the following galleries to create and present significant new opportunities for visual artists
- UNSW Galleries, Sydney. Heather B Swann, The Forests of Symbols 4 September – 22 November 2026
- Edith Cowan University Art Gallery, ECU Gallery, Perth (apply 2026/exhibit 2027)
- Gertrude Contemporary, Melbourne (apply 2027/exhibit 2028)
To find out more about past CAP exhibitors and artists, please visit this webpage.