Students get front row seat to National Gallery

STUDENTS and teachers from Mount Gambier and Penola have taken part in a series of creative workshops and professional learning at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, delivered as part of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 exhibition.

As part of the gallery’s travelling exhibitions program, National Portrait Gallery of Australia (NPG) Program Coordinator Ellie Brotchie visited the gallery on March 31, to host multiple sessions focused on student engagement and professional development for teachers.

The Riddoch was privileged to host the new touring education engagement initiative provided by the NPG.

The workshops for students were designed to connect participants with the stories behind the portraits featured in the exhibition.

The professional learning for teachers engaged teachers with the exhibition and provided educational insight and opportunities.

“It’s exciting to connect with local teachers and students, and to see the exhibition presented in a new space,” Ms Brotchie said.

“The works take on a different life in each gallery.”

Photography students from Penola High School and creative writing students from Mount Gambier High School attended the sessions, gaining insights and learnings to take back into their classrooms.

Penola High School Art Teacher Cate Bell said how lucky were they to have such a wonderful gallery on their doorstep to share with young upcoming artists.

Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre cultural development director Ashleigh Whatling said the partnership provided valuable learning opportunities for regional audiences.

“The Riddoch is delighted to partner with the National Portrait Gallery to deliver this outstanding opportunity to learn and engage with one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions,” Ms Whatling said.

“Paired with the National Photographic Portrait Prize, we are proud to facilitate education and connection for regional audiences on behalf of the City of Mount Gambier.”

The National Photographic Portrait Prize supports and celebrates contemporary photographic portraiture in Australia and attracts thousands of entries each year from emerging and established artists.

Featuring both well–known figures and everyday Australians, the prize highlights the vitality and diversity of photographic portraiture across the country.

Finalists for the 2025 prize were selected by a judging panel comprising writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law, Serena Bentley, Senior Curator at the National Portrait Gallery, and Leigh Robb, Curator of Contemporary Art at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

The National Photographic Portrait Prize is on display in the Cathleen Edkins Gallery at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre until April 26 before travelling to Geraldton, Western Australia and Horsham, Victoria later in the year.

The exhibition was supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government initiative aimed at improving access to national collections for all Australians.