Admire the Archibald Prize

THOUSANDS of art enthusiasts are anticipated to descend on Geelong Gallery to take in the splendour of this year’s Archibald Prize.

The esteemed exhibition opens to the public tomorrow (Saturday, August 30), and I cannot wait to see crowds flocking to the gallery to take in some of our country’s best examples of portraiture.

This is the second time in recent years that the Archibald Prize has taken up residency in the gallery.

In 2018 we had the pleasure of hosting the exhibition over 58 days, which drew more than 75,000 visitors.

Drawing on the successes of this event, the 2025 exhibition has been extended to 71 days, running up until November 9.

We eagerly anticipate welcoming even greater numbers to Geelong to experience this iconic celebration of visual art.

At the City, we deeply value the significance of this exhibition and the economic benefits its visit brings to our region.

As Council’s chair for Arts & Culture, Hospitality & Live Entertainment, and a proud Geelong Gallery board member, I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of this exhibition.

This prestigious event is undoubtedly a major highlight on our cultural calendar, and we are proud to be on board as a presenting partner this year, having contributed $100,000 to host the event.

Geelong is the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2025 regional tour, and it makes sense given our city’s strong connection to the exhibition.

The prize founder, J.F. Archibald, was actually born in Geelong West in 1856.

Archibald moved to Warrnambool at 15 to pursue a career in journalism, and would later go on to co-found and edit The Bulletin, Australia’s most popular magazine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Established in 1921 at Archibald’s bequest, the Archibald Prize is the most acclaimed and recognised award for portraiture work in Australia.

Since its inception, the prize has highlighted figures from all walks of life, sharing the images and stories of everyday Australians through to iconic celebrities.

The 2025 instalment features the works of 57 finalists whittled down from 904 entries, selected by trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Julie Fragar was awarded this year’s Archibald Prize for her portrait of artist Justene Williams in Flagship Mother Multiverse.

Among the other works on display, you may recognise some familiar faces, like former AFL player and cofounder of FightMND, Neale Daniher, comedian Aaron Chen, radio presenter Jackie O and Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis.

Whether you’re a fan of realism or abstract cubism, there is a portrait on display that will pique your interest.

The 2025 Archibald Prize builds on the Geelong Gallery’s legacy of presenting engaging exhibitions while delivering significant cultural and economic benefit to our community.

Geelong Gallery stands as a crown jewel within our vibrant arts precinct, and it has put together a brilliant program of events that complement the exhibition.

For a special night out, the gallery is hosting after-hours sessions every Friday evening from September 7 where guests can take in the exhibition accompanied by live music and hospitality.

To learn more about all the gallery’s upcoming events, head to geelonggallery.org.au

As always, I’m happy to speak to anyone on Council-related matters – phone 0455 532 006 or email [email protected]

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Hamlyn Heights Ward,

City of Greater Geelong