The Archibald Prize exhibit is coming to Gippsland

All about the Archibald Prize exhibit 2021

What is the Archibald Prize? 

Celebrating its 100th show, the Archibald prize features portrait paintings from across Australia and New Zealand, and has long been regarded as both nations' most prestigious portraiture award. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, generally, the Archibald Prize exhibition features portraits that are  ‘preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia.’

It received its name from J.F Archibald, a newspaper editor who bequeathed the competition in his will in 1921. 

These days, the competition is revered by both emerging and well-respecting artists across the nation, with the current prize sitting at $100,000, as well as wider recognition and respect for the artists and their work.

This year, over 52 portraits will be on display, including the Archibald Prize winning portrait of artist Guy Warren painted by Melbourne’s own Peter Wegner, and the Packing Room Prize winning artwork (generally known as the staff vote) of singer Kate Cebrano, by Sydney’s Kathrin Longhurst. 

Fun fact: RACV Goldfields is home to a prestigious artwork by Julia Ciccarone, who previously won the Archibald People’s Choice Award (featured below). 

Are any special events on for the exhibit?

The events team at the gallery have been busy curating a range of activities around the exhibit, including:

• For the kids - the Gallery’s Portrait Play art space will provide the opportunity for children to learn about portraiture and draw their very own artworks as a budding Young Archie! For a guided session, adults can book kids in with Gippsland Portrait Artist and Teacher Alvina Edwards to create an oil pastel or acrylic paint portrait, as well as visiting the exhibit from the Young Archies program. 
• For budding artists – every Sunday from 12 - 3 pm throughout the exhibit, guests are welcome to ‘draw’ inspiration and sketch with the local portrait group, or can consider booking in with local artist Klara Jones to learn how to create their very own portrait. For painters, visitors can book in a class to create a portrait with Black Swan Portrait Prize winner Dawn Stubbs. 
• For art historians – Every Saturday and Sunday at 2.15 pm, visitors can join the Gallery Guided tour to get more insights on the contemporary works, attend a conversation with an Archibald Prize finalist. or book a ticket to a documentary and Q & A session about painter Keith Looby.  
• For night lovers – a Friday night highlight for those who prefer an up-late session, from 6 pm - 10 pm the exhibit will feature a live band, drinks and food from local suppliers in the Gippsland region.
• Pop-up Portrait Speed Date – no, not that kind! Three times a week during the exhibition, drop in for a ‘speed date’ with a Gallery Guide who will give you more info on a couple of portraits.

 Find more on times and dates for these events here.

What else should I do while I’m in Sale? 

Sale is the ideal base for exploring the wider Gippsland region, with destinations such as 90 Mile Beach, Port Albert, Tarra Bulga National Park, Yarram’s Heesco murals and plenty of wineries and dining experiences all within easy reach.

Exploring - road trippers can come for the exhibit and stay for the region, including a wander around the stunning Port of Sale Botanic Gardens. For those who prefer their tours to be more leisurely, take a boat ride with the Port of Sale Heritage Cruises for a background on the area’s Gunnaikurnai First People to the modern day - don’t miss the opportunity to check out Sale’s 19th century Swing Bridge while you’re there! For more detail on what to get up to in Sale, visit our local guide.

Getting around - visitors coming for the exhibit are provided with ‘The Archie Bus,’ a free hop-on-hop-off transportation service connecting guests from the gallery to the main tourist attractions,  including the Botanic Gardens, Port of Sale (below), Swing Bridge, and to the centre of town. 

Staying longer – those looking to make a holiday out of it can consider our guide to South Gippsland, with a range of ways to explore the region and a stay at the RACV Inverloch Resort, Gippsland Coast.

Are there any package offers?

The town of Sale are getting around the Archibald, with a range of ticket holder discounts on local events and tours, including car shows and jazzing high teas running throughout the exhibition. RACV Members also get a discount, so make sure you don’t miss out! 

What are the details for the Archibald Prize exhibition?  

• Exhibit: Archibald Prize 2021 at Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale, Victoria.
• Date: from 8 October to 21 November 2021.
• Location: Gippsland Art Gallery, 70 Foster Street, Sale, Victoria.