Australia’s most popular arts event is back in action for 2025, with the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes bringing a fresh batch of painterly expressions to the walls of the Art Gallery of NSW from May 10 to August 17.
They call it “the face that stops the nation”, and the Archibald Prize has indeed been courting controversy and conversation for more than a century now. This popular portrait prize is always filled with famous faces, with artists from all over Australia (and also New Zealand) capturing the spirit of the times through paintings that capture the likeness of the personalities that define their communities.
Meanwhile, the Wynne Prize awards the best landscape painting of Australian scenery or figurative sculpture, and the Sulman is awarded to the best genre painting, subject painting or mural project.
The annual finalists exhibition is a real must-see, with each prize attracting diverse entries that make for compelling viewing.
Additionally, the Young Archie competition is also always packed with gorgeous artworks by budding young artists between the ages of 5 and 18. Make sure to check those out, too.
Exhibition entry starts at $25 for general admission, with cheaper prices for gallery members, concessions and youth. Children under 12 get in for free (good on ‘em). You can snap up your tickets over here. (Hot tip: you can score 2-for-1 tickets after 5pm on Wednesdays, when the gallery stays open after dark!)
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