What is the Archibald Prize?
The Archibald Prize is Australia's best-known portrait prize, awarded each year since 1921 by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It is given for a portrait of a person distinguished in art, letters, science or politics.
The prize was created through a bequest from J. F. Archibald, editor and co-founder of The Bulletin magazine, who wanted to support portraiture and honour great Australians.
Each year, hundreds of artists enter. The trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales choose the winner, and the finalists are exhibited at the gallery before touring regional galleries.
Controversy and popularity
The prize has often caused debate. In 1943, William Dobell's portrait of fellow artist Joshua Smith was challenged in court by artists who claimed it was a caricature. The court upheld the award.
The People's Choice award lets visitors vote for their favourite, and the Packing Room Prize is chosen by the staff who unpack the entries.
Famous winners include Brett Whiteley, who won twice in the 1970s, and Wendy Sharpe, and many winning portraits show well-known Australians such as actors, writers, scientists and sports stars.
Vincent Namatjira became the first Aboriginal artist to win the Archibald in 2020, with a portrait of himself with footballer Adam Goodes. The exhibition draws large crowds every year and is one of the gallery's most popular events.
Did You Know?
The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes are exhibited together each year.