Archibald Prize 2026

The Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, is Australia’s most extraordinary art event. It is awarded annually to the best portrait, preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science, or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia during the 12 months preceding the entry date. Key Prize Values: Archibald Prize: $100,000 Packing Room Prize: $3,000 ANZ People’s Choice: $5,000 Essential Entry Requirements: Subject Statement: Your work must be accompanied by a signed statement from the subject of your portrait. You can download the statement template directly from the Art Gallery of NSW website. Online Process: Entry forms and the $50 handling fee must be submitted online. You do not upload an image of the work during this stage. Physical Delivery: After completing the online form, you must bring two printed copies of your form along with the original artwork to the Art Gallery of New South Wales between the specified delivery dates. Eligibility: Open to all artists resident in Australasia (including New Zealand) for at least the 12 months prior to the submission deadline.