PRIZES

The Archibald Prize: In memory of Jules F. Archibald. Each year Australian artists are invited to place paintings in the running for the annual Archibald prize. The Trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW judge and award the prize to the best portrait of a man or woman known in the fields of Art, letters, science or politics. At this present moment the winner receives a prize of $50 000, sponsored by Myer.

The People’s Choice: Since 1988, The People’s Choice award has given the public a chance to vote for their favourite portrait in the Archibald exhibition. The prize of $2500 and a $1000 Myer gift card is awarded to the painting voted most popular by visitors. The selected visitor also receives the same prize.

The Packing Room Prize: The Packing Room prize, is awarded by the people that nobody sees. The people that put all the artwork in the exhibition on the wall get to choose their favourite.  The prize was first awarded by Steve Peters, the gallery storeman, back in 1991. The winner receives a prize of $500, as well as $500 gift card for Myer.

Portraits submitted must be painted from life, meaning that the artist knows the subject, the subject knows of the artist’s intention and the subject has sat for the artist. A statement of the sitting, signed by the subjects must be provided along with the painting. A $30 handling fee must be submitted with the art. The painting cannot exceed 90 000cm² (e.g. 3m x 3m, 1.5m x 6m etc.). Multiple panelled pieces are allowed but must come with a photo and clear instructions on how to assemble and still can’t exceed the 90 000cm². To enter the artist must be a resident in Australia for at least 12 months.