The 2026 winners of the Men on Men Art Exhibition and Competition, hosted by the Laird hotel and pub in Melbourne, have been announced. The grand prize was awarded to Terry Griffin for his charcoal and pastel work "Reclining," the People's Choice Prize went to David Jabbour for his photograph "The Worst of Me," and the Steve Scalone Photography Prize was won by Fred LeMarche for "Body Language Part II." The exhibition, which transforms the gay pub into a gallery, featured diverse submissions from male and male-identifying artists across media including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and needlecraft.
The competition matters because it provides a dedicated platform for male and male-identifying artists from all backgrounds to express themselves freely, with a focus on inclusivity and diverse artistic ability. Beyond the exhibition, the prizes offer tangible career support—winners receive vouchers from Dean's Art and Framed By You, as well as exhibition opportunities at the Laird during Midsumma 2027. The event also honors the late artist Steve Scalone through a named photography prize, and with 50% of works sold and all profits going to artists, it directly supports the local queer art community.