Named Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to visual arts.
In June 1976, Grace Cossington Smith attained the prestigious appointment of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This national acknowledgment honored her invaluable contributions to Australian visual arts, reflecting her profound impact on modernist movements in the country. The designation recognized her as one of the first artists in the region to receive such high-level recognition for her artistic endeavors. This honor highlighted her role not only in shaping national art narratives but also in encouraging future generations of artists to challenge conventions and embrace modernist approaches.