Bunjil Place Gallery is set to open its doors to enthusiastic art lovers for the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize with an extraordinary display of 52 portraits featuring figures and cultural identities from all walks of life, reflecting the stories of our times.
As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2022 regional tour and the only Victorian location, the exquisite Bunjil Place Gallery will host the popular prize from 3 September to 16 October.
Now in its 101st year, the Archibald Prize is recognised as Australia’s favourite and most significant art award with over 800 portraits judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW in the long-running prize established in 1921.
The display at Bunjil Place Gallery will feature the notable Packing Room Prize winner Claus Stangl with his portrait of director, writer, actor and producer Taika Waititi, alongside 2022 Archibald Prize winner Blak Douglas with his portrait of Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens, titled Moby Dickens. Jeremy Eden’s People’s Choice winning portrait of Samuel Johnson will welcome art lovers into the space.
“The Archibald Prize is one of the most prestigious arts awards in Australia and to have these works on display at Bunjil Place highlights our strength as a world-class gallery and entertainment precinct to draw art lovers to this region,” said City of Casey Administrator Noelene Duff.
“If you love art, this is your chance to experience portraits by some of Australia’s favourite and well-respected artists on the walls here at Bunjil Place Gallery.”
“The Archibald Prize is always a snapshot of the Australian people, and this year brings together self-portraits that provide a glimpse of the artists internal worlds alongside those that celebrate leading figures who are making this country a better and more equitable place to be,’ said Ms Duff.
This exclusive Victorian event will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Narre Warren and surrounds to enjoy the works on display and the immersive program of events and art experiences in the stunning outdoor plaza space including: Guided tours of the exhibition; one night only – Night Mode: Archibald Prize edition; evening and weekend Archie Bites and Beats; Young Archie exhibition and Making Hub; school holiday art making workshops; Robert Gordon High Tea celebrating the neighbouring potter master; exclusive tours with bubbles or breakfast; and tours in many languages including Auslan
Bunjil Place is one of Victoria’s newest cultural spaces and the City of Casey’s treasured entertainment precinct. The name and striking architectural design of the space is inspired by Bunjil, the creator spirit of the Kulin nation, who takes the form of a Wedge-tailed eagle in ancestral narratives.
The creation stories pass on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations that merge traditions and practice responsibilities for looking after Country.
Bunjil Place is a meeting hub for the cultural community featuring a uniquely designed outdoor plaza, library, theatre, Civic Centre and the stunning Gallery in which the Archibald Prize 2022 will be displayed.
Archibald Prize 2022
Bunjil Place Gallery, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
Exhibition: 3 September – 16 October 2022
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.bunjilplace.com.au for details.
Image: Archibald Prize 2022 finalist, Paul Newton, Portrait of Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness (detail) © the artist