In its only showing outside New South Wales, the Art Gallery of Ballarat – Australia’s oldest and largest regional gallery – will host the prestigious Archibald Prize 2015 from 2 October to 15 November.
An Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition, it will feature Nigel Milsom’s 2015 Archibald prize-winning portrait of barrister Charles Waterstreet, Bruno Jean Grasswill’s Packing Room and People’s Choice prize-winning portrait of actor Michael Caton, and a slew of celebrity sitters from musicians Daniel Johns, Abbe May and Paul Kelly to politicians Cory Bernardi and Bob Katter, and an evocative ‘last portrait’ of the late Betty Churcher by her son, renowned painter Peter Churcher.
Along with viewing the 2015 finalists, visitors will be able to delve into the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection of past Archibald finalists and winners including Nora Heysen, William Dobell, Clifton Pugh, Brett Whiteley and John Olsen. A Portraits Trail of the Gallery’s outstanding collection also includes works by Tom Roberts, Albert Tucker, Sidney Nolan, John Brack, Jeffrey Smart, Rick Amor and Juan Davila.
During the Gallery’s six week celebration of the Archibald Prize, the town of Ballarat will be painted in a kaleidoscope of colour and entertainment with the theatrics of The Portrait Series in the Oddie for the Archibald Prize, sumptuous wining and dining during The Age Good Food Guide Eat Art program, and a rollicking salute to the Aria Hall of Fame at the RocKwiz live show.
A series of Lunchtime Talks and Sunday Conversations will bring audiences up close and personal with the Archibald finalists, while on Saturday 31 October, it’s time to throw care aside, turn yourself into an exotic portrait and revel in A Night in Bohemia – the Gallery Association’s Archibald party.
Visitors to Ballarat can explore the town and make the most of their visit with the Archibald Courtesy Bus stopping at the Ballarat Train Station, Art Gallery of Ballarat, Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E), Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree and the Visitor information Centre at the Ballarat Town Hall.
Archibald Prize 2015
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Exhibition: 2 October – 15 November 2015
Entry fees apply
For more information and complete programme of events, visit: www.archibaldballarat.com.au for details.
Image: Carla Fletcher, Jenny Kee (detail) mixed media on linen 203 x 153.5 cm © the artist – photo © AGNSW, Felicity Jenkins