Archibald Prize exhibition officially opens

THE 2017 Archibald Prize exhibition was opened at the Geelong Art Gallery on Friday, with artists available to talk to guests about their work.

First awarded in 1921, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ Archibald Prize is Australia’s favourite art award, and one of its most prestigious.

Awarded to the best portrait painting, it’s a who’s who of Australian culture, with subjects often including politicians, celebrities, sporting heroes, authors and artists.

This year is the first time Geelong has been the exclusive Victorian venue for the iconic exhibition, with gallery Director Jason Smith extremely proud to be able to offer this opportunity to the local community.

“There is much anticipation in the region and we look forward to presenting our community with extended opportunities to engage with artists, sitters and more generally with the genre of portraiture,” Jason said.

The exhibition is now open daily until December 10 from 10am to 5pm and Friday evenings from 6pm to 9pm.

For more, see geelonggallery.org.au.