Archie at Home – Australia’s famous portrait prize comes to you

The Art Gallery of New South Wales has created a new portal to experience one of Australia’s most loved art exhibitions in our calendar, the Archibald Prize!

In a time when we’re missing human connection, the faces of mates or chance encounters Archie at Home collates digital keys to enjoy personal narratives and the country’s most beguiling personalities through video, music, text and prompts for learning at home (for all ages).

Peter Wegner’s portrait of Guy Warren at 100, oil on canvas – Archibald Prize Winner 2021

Tap into the portrait exhibition from where ever you are with the ABC’s three part documentary series hosted by Rachel Griffiths celebrating the centenary of the prize. ‘Finding the Archibald’ looks behind the scenes, from how the works are selected for a special exhibition Archie 100, to the stories of the artists, sitters and curators and the ‘apex’ of it all, the announcement of a winner.

Kate Beynon’s work Collaborative Spirits, acrylic on linen

Form your own opinion, and choose favourite works in a self-guided ‘visit’ to the gallery, virtually with a video tour. You can browse the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prize exhibitions in a 360-degree immersive experience with clickable spots to read about each artwork. Then, cast a vote for your most loved work and be in the draw to win $2,000 – the artist also wins a bonus if they come out on top.  

A teaching resource has been uploaded, for you and your family to learn about portraiture, identity, artistic process and muse on questions like, what portraits do you like and why? There is also an array of short texts designed for children to appreciate the shows, as well as uploads of the Young Archie finalist works, which could inspire the burgeoning artists in your home!

We hope the resources listed here spark joy, and that you can extend your experience with an in person visit as soon as it’s safe to do so.