Geelong Gallery to host Archibald Prize

A TOURING exhibition of Australia’s most celebrated portraiture prize will pass through Geelong later this year.

Geelong Gallery will serve as the exclusive Victorian host of the prestigious Archibald Prize 2025, with an extended exhibition of this year’s prize finalists scheduled for display between August 30 and November 9.

With a history of creating both controversy and conversation, the Archibald Prize has long reflected the personalities and issues that define our times, highlighting not just famous faces but figures from all walks of life.

The annual Archibald Prize is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and was established in 1921 at the bequest of JF Archibald, a journalist and former Geelong local.

The prize still follows the terms set out in Archibald’s will, namely that the prize will be awarded to the best portrait “preferentially of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics” which has been painted by any artist resident in Australia or New Zealand in the 12 months preceding its entry into the prize.

Since 1921, the prestigious prize has highlighted famous faces and local heroes from all walks of life.

Geelong Gallery director and chief executive Jason Smith said the cultural institution is delighted to continue its relationship with the prestigious exhibition.

“Geelong Gallery has a proud history of hosting the Archibald Prize in 2017 and 2018, and the centenary exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize in 2021,” he said.

“In our 2018 presentation of the Prize, we attracted over 75,000 visitors over 58 days, and with an extended presentation of 71 days in 2025, we anticipate welcoming even greater audience numbers to Geelong to experience this iconic celebration of portraiture.

“The 2025 exhibition promises to build on Geelong Gallery’s legacy of presenting engaging and significant exhibitions that connect with audiences from across the region and beyond, showcasing the breadth of contemporary artistic practice in Australia, and delivering significant cultural and economic benefit to our community.”

Geelong will be the first stop on the exhibition’s tour, following its initial presentation at the Art Gallery of NSW between May 10 and August 17, and will be complemented by a program of public events and activities.

Tickets to the Archibald Prize 2025 are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks.

For more information, head to geelonggallery.org.au