History of The Archibald Prize 2025

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Waverley library invites all art lovers to hear a talk on Australia's premier accolade The Archibald Prize.

The Archibald Prize has been called the 'Melbourne Cup of the art world'. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and bridges the gap between the world of high art and the general public. Art critics and curators like to disparage it, artists make fun of it, but all are keen to win it. Come and learn something about the most controversial episodes of its history.

'The Archibald Prize has always created controversy and conversation', the Art Gallery of New South Wales notes. 'For over a century, artists from Australia and New Zealand have captured the spirit of their times through portraiture, reflecting the personalities and issues that define their communities.' Yet many features of the prize have changed since its foundation in 1921. It is arguable if J. F. Archibald would recognise it today. This talk will chart some of the lesser known, rocky history of the prize, highlighting controversies about artist eligibility, painting methods, disputes between the awarding trustees and artists and the reception of the prize by the general public.

Light refreshments provided.