Work from the heart and be passionate about your art.

The Archibald Prize has a little sibling: the Young Archie. Like the Archibald, the Young Archie is a portraiture prize run by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It’s a unique exhibition that encourages creative expression in children, giving their talent and voice an authentic platform.
Young Archie is open to budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18. The theme is a portrait of a person who is special to the entrant, who is known to the entrant and who plays a significant role in their life.

The Young Archie is judged by Victoria Collings, the Community Engagement Manager at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and a guest judge. The guest judge is usually an artist who has entered the Archibald Prize, this year it was Abdul Abdullah. The categories are 5-8 years, 9-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 year.

One day let’s hope a Young Archie finalist will win the big prize! So far at least two Young Archie winners have entered the Archibald Prize. The real value of this prize, however, is the wonderful boost to self-esteem of the entrants, and an increased confidence in their creative talents – encouraging a love of art in young people.

The Young Archie 2018 finalists are on display at the Art Gallery of NSW until 9th September 2018.