Australia’s most loved Portraiture Prize – The Archibald Prize

Since 1921, the controversial yet renowned Archibald Prize has been annually awarded to ‘preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in arts, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia’, as stated in the last will of JF Archibald, former Art Gallery trustee. It is considered the highest honour bestowed upon you for portraiture in Australia; needless to say, the exhibition and award ceremony ‘draws’ up a crowd every year.

The exhibition for the 2021 Archibald Prize is held this year from January to March in the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. You can visit with your family to take a look at some of the most beautiful works of art by renowned portrait artists all over Australia and even take part in some fun art-related activities with your kids! If you can’t draw to save your life, it’s okay; you can book a relaxing stay at a Hunter Valley spa resort enjoy some much-needed rest, and cherish the highly cultured (and fancy) art experience you had. There are luxurious and safe resorts such as the Elysia Wellness Retreat very close to the MRAG!