The Archibald Prize is Australia’s best-known portrait prize and is run by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It is awarded to a portrait, preferentially of a person distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by an eligible artist.
| Prize | Archibald Prize |
|---|---|
| Type | Portrait painting |
| State / scope | NSW |
| Prize value | $100,000 |
| Current status | Closed for 2026; finalists announced 30 April; winners announced 8 May |
| Official source | Open official entry information |
| Last reviewed by Artsoz | May 2026 |
Portrait painters with a completed eligible work and the ability to meet AGNSW’s entry, form, delivery and collection requirements.
Artists without a physical portrait work, artists unable to deliver the original painting, or artists who have not checked the official sitter and eligibility terms.
The notes below are a practical summary for planning. They do not replace the official terms and conditions. Before entering, open the official prize page and check every date, fee, eligibility rule, delivery requirement and collection condition.
A strong prize entry is not only about the artwork. It also depends on whether the work fits the category, whether it can be safely delivered, whether all paperwork is prepared, and whether the artist understands the exhibition and collection obligations.
Put the official deadline, delivery period, fee, work dimensions, medium restrictions and collection period into your own tracker. If the prize requires physical delivery, do not wait until the closing week to solve transport or framing.
Prize details can change between years. Artsoz is useful for understanding the shape of the opportunity, but the official organiser page is the only reliable source for entry conditions.
Artsoz is designed to be a practical directory for artists, collectors, students, galleries and art lovers. Send useful art prizes, open calls, galleries, local council resources or learning links.