9 by 5 exhibition 2023.

9 by 5 Exhibition

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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. 

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 opportunity valued at $1000 for six months, as assessed by the judging panel)
  • Community Connections – For artwork that reflects Greater Dandenong’s community spirit ($500 prize. Courtesy of Community Bank Dingley Village)
  • Highly Commended – For exceptional artistic merit ($750 prize. Courtesy of Greater Dandenong Arts)
  • Packing Room Prize – Chosen by the exhibiting team ($250 prize. Courtesy of Greater Dandenong Arts)
  • People’s Choice – Community favourite ($500 prize. Courtesy of Holiday Inn Dandenong). Winner announced Monday 27 April.

All are welcome to join us at the opening event on Saturday 21 March, 3pm - 5pm for speeches and prize-winner announcements. Register here.

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
  • 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
Opening Hours
Day Time slot Comment
Monday - Friday: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
On

Drum Theatre

Corner Lonsdale and Walker streets Dandenong

Sponsors

Holiday Inn Dandenong