ARCHIES IN MPARNTWE

The Archibald Prize Regional Tour, an Art Gallery of New South Wales exhibition, makes tracks to Mparntwe/Alice Springs later this month, taking up residence at Araluen Arts Centre until June.

WORDS JENNA HOARE

FOR THE FIRST time, the Archibald Prize aka the Archies, Australia’s most beloved portrait competition, gives locals and visitors to Central Australia the chance to check out the 2024 winners and finalists. 

Head curator of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Wayne Tunnicliffe says the exhibition visits one venue outside the state each year, making it competitive to secure a regional tour. 

“We approached Araluen [Arts Centre] based on what a great gallery it is and what a great program they run, and because the Archibald has never been to the Northern Territory before, we thought this would be a perfect time to take it there,” he says. 

“We’re thrilled it’s going to the Northern Territory, but also the fact it has a number of artists and sitters with strong connections to that area.” 

Visitors can view artworks by Central Australian finalists Adrian Jangala Robertson and Thea Anamara Perkins, alongside Melbourne-based street artist Matt Adnate's Packing Room Prize winning portrait of Yolŋu rapper Baker Boy. 

Last year, The Archibald Prize received 1,005 entries, with a record number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists submitting their works. 

“The growth of First Nations artists has happened over a period of time with First Nations artists being selected and winning the prizes … that has led to this very strong First Nations presence which is really thrilling to see,” Tunnicliffe says. 

Coinciding with the desert exhibition, Araluen Arts Centre has launched the Young Archie Mparntwe competition, inviting artists aged 15 to 18 years to submit portraits of someone important to them. 

The interest shown from younger audiences is exciting as it is rapidly growing, Tunnicliffe says. 

“It’s that next generation of artists [and] I’m sure in future some will start being selected for the full Archibald Prize.” 

So, whether you’re a first-time viewer or a long-time lover of the Archies, head along to Araluen to see it for yourself!

Archibald Prize 2024 Regional Tour 
WHEN THU 24 APR – SUN 15 JUN 
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE 
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

_{Inset, header & thumb: Archibald Prize 2024 finalist, Shaun Gladwell, ‘A spangled symbolist portrait of Julian Assange floating in reflection’, oil & aluminium flakes on canvas, 151.5x112cm © the artist, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales, Jenni Carte}