Bedazzling Portraiture in Mudgee! The 2025 Archibald Prize Comes to Town.

For many years there was a strong push to get a ‘proper’ art gallery built in town. On the other side of the argument was an equally strong push stating that this would be a waste of taxpayers’ money and it would be better spent on traditional ‘roads, rates and rubbish’.

Thankfully the gallery proponents won the day and with some substantial grant funding, the Mudgee Arts Precinct became a reality. Since it opened its doors, art lovers of all ages and tastes have streamed through those doors to enjoy the most amazing range of exhibitions from both local talented artists and impressive touring exhibitions.

The latest to grace the Gallery’s white walls is a selection of the 2025 Archibald Prize works and it is definitely worth a visit.

What is It?

• The Archibald is an annual portrait prize that attracts the most diverse range of artists and sitters. Established in 1921, the prize is open to artists from both Australia and New Zealand, and artists must meet their sitters/subject face-to-face at least once.
• The, at times, controversial winning entry receives $100,000.00 and there are also a Packing Room Prize (selected by the Gallery’s workers) and a People’s Choice.
• It is Australia’s most popular and famous portrait exhibition and it’s just fabulous that such high-quality art is being brought to the people, rather than everyone having to travel to the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney to view it.

• This is the first time some Archibald works have been accessible in Mudgee and, by the look of the number of people in attendance on opening night, it will be a real drawcard.
• Another great thing about this exhibition is that it is free. I love that this removes any perceived barriers to people, particularly the very young and old, from enjoying these quality art works.

Where Is It? The exhibition can be found at the Mudgee Arts Precinct (MAP), 90 Market St, Mudgee in Central West NSW.

When is it Open?

• The Exhibition is open seven days per week.
• Opening times are from 9am – 5pm.
• The exhibition closes on 3 May 2026.

Why Visit? Visit the Exhibition for some outstanding artworks and a handful of pieces that make me think, “what the…?”

How to Get There?

• The Gallery (part of Mudgee Arts Precinct or MAP) is only a short stroll from the Mudgee CBD.
• There is also plenty of on-street parking, or parking at the rear of the Gallery, if you are driving.

Who Should Drop In?

• I suspect that everyone would see something that appeals in this line-up of works.
• If promoting young artists is of interest, upstairs at the Gallery is a Young Archie Mudgee exhibition showcasing portraits by the young artists in our community, from 2yrs to 18yrs of age.

General Comments:

• I have been a long-term fan of the Archibald Prize and sometimes I try to coincide a trip to Sydney with the annual exhibition. I recorded my thoughts about the 2019 exhibition in a pictorial blog post. How can that be nearly seven years ago already?

• What I particularly enjoyed about this event was the informal walk-through prior to the official opening. The Gallery Curator has started this initiative where she leads us through each exhibition, explaining some of the works and highlighting different aspects of the various artworks. I find this really beneficial as I do not have an artistic background and miss so much because I don’t know what to look for.
• In the past I have attended these walk throughs and they have been led by the artist or artists. That is really insightful and I find that I don’t have to actually like the work to still find it interesting.

• Realism is my thing! I am astounded by the level of skill that provides an almost photographic quality to the paintings. I just don’t know how they do that. Natural skill? Patience? Thousands of hours of practice? It would all help.
• Like most exhibitions, I like art that makes me smile, art that makes me think and art that makes me shake my head in wonder. The selected works of the 2025 Archibald Prize exhibition do all that and more.

• Congratulations to the team at MAP for having the vision to bring these sorts of exhibitions to our small country town.
• Thank you for all your hard work and patience as I am sure it is a convoluted process to secure such high-profile exhibitions and fit them into a programme that has a depth and breadth to appeal to the tastes of our diverse community.

I am a lucky duck to live where I live.

What do you like about your town or community?

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