Archibald Prize set to open at Museum of Art and Culture, yapang

Published on 06 April 2023

A touring exhibition of finalists from Australia’s most celebrated art prize is coming to Lake Macquarie

The Archibald Prize 2022 Regional Tour opens on Saturday 8 April at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, highlighting figures from all walks of Australian life.

MAC yapang Curator Courtney Wagner said it was an exciting time for the city.

“We’re expecting more than 15,000 people to visit MAC yapang during the six-week exhibition period,” she said.

Portraits in the Archibald Prize 2022 Regional Tour include all 52 finalist works, selected from more than 800 entries.

The portraits range from famous faces to local heroes, with themes reflecting the stories and issues of our times.

Sydney based Dhungatti artist Blak Douglas won the 2022 Archibald Prize for Moby Dickens, his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens emerging stoically from last year’s Lismore floods.

Douglas is the second Aboriginal Artist to win the Archibald Prize in its 101 years, and his win marked the first time a portrait of an Aboriginal woman was named winner.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the Regional Tour was likely to attract visitors from across the Hunter, and even further afield.

“We’re the closest regional gallery to Sydney to be hosting the exhibition, so we’re hoping Sydneysiders who missed out on the Archies might head up here for a weekend to take a look,” she said.

To celebrate the Archibald Prize, MAC yapang is also hosting a series of themed Friday evening events, which include entry to the exhibition, an ‘Archibald’ signature cocktail on arrival, live music and art-making activities and talks.

General admission entry to the Archibald Prize is $12, with discounts for Lake Arts Members, concessions and groups.

Go to mac.lakemac.com.au for bookings and more information.