Overview
As one of Australia's most prestigious arts awards, the Archibald Prize presents the year's most-loved portrait paintings, with artworks typically featuring the full spectrum of celebrities, politicians, sportspeople, authors and artists. The 2017 award was taken out by Sydney-based painter Mitch Cairns, whose figurative painting depicting his wife, and fellow artist, Agatha Gothe-Snape was a near-unanimous winner. Cairns had previously been short-listed for the award four times, and was runner-up twice, but this time came away with the award — and the $100,000 prize to boot.
This year's prize is exhibited exclusively in Victoria by the Geelong Gallery and presents the many engaging, and often controversial works, created by Australia's leading and up-and-coming painters. The entire 43 finalist's paintings are on display — use our handy guide to the Archibald to help you navigate it. Plus, don't miss the pop-up cafes, bars and weekly events taking place throughout the exhibition.