How ‘Art’ Thou For Creative Exhibitions

From the 19^th July to 28^th September, the Archibald Prize Exhibition takes place in Sydney. As it’s on for such a lengthy duration, there’s no excuse to non pop over and check it out if you’re a local or traveling to NSW.

Since 1921 with the first award given, this is one of the oldest and most highly recognized art awards in Australia. With judges from the Art Gallery of NSW trustees, the award is given to the best portrait painting and if you want to mingle with the who’s who of Australian culture, you’ll be in good company. From celebrities to art gurus, famous sports heroes and politicians, pull your sleeves up so you can rub elbows with the hob nob of brilliant society.

The Archibald Prize competition is solely given to an artist resident in Australasia and entries in the Prize are eligible for also the ‘Packing Room Prize.’ This is a nifty and quirky award that was first given in 1991 and is chosen by the Gallery staff that provides 51 percent of the vote. There’s also the People’s Choice Award (starting in 1988) which receives votes by (obviously), you…the public.

If this information has got your acrylic paints, canvas and mixed media jumping with glee, you can enter for 2015. Naturally the 2014 prize entries have closed so you have a few weeks to jump on the entry bandwagon with the cutoff date by 27 June. The link provides the criteria and eligibility instructions so play close attention before you start entering. To keep you on your toes, the value of the prizes range from the main Award at the value of $75,000 AUD to Packing Room Prize of $1500 and People’s Choice at $3500.

 

 

Possibly your art work will make the cut for next year and if you want to be in great company of past winners like Del Kathryn Barton, Matthew Lynn and Tim Storrier, you’ve got to move swiftly.

For anyone who is clueless about artwork and has issues holding an orange crayon, this is the time to really educate yourself on outstanding portraits. It’s also an amazing way to wow clients if you’re in the city on business and want to show off how much (or little) you know about native artists – so much more interesting than standard corporate dinners, right?

Only 15 minutes by car and 30 minutes by train from the exhibition (Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road), you can then be inspired by the incredible Harbour views from one of the oldest hotels in Sydney. Take a look at the website home page to see the tour from the hotel and surrounding views. While you’re mulling over the affordable Cremorne Point Manor rates, remember that the Manor has just received the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor…for the fourth year in a row.  It’s a work of art in itself, yes?