Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Welcomes Archibald Prize Exhibition - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

14 October 2021

With COVID restrictions eased this week, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Nowra has re-opened its doors, offering the chance for fully vaccinated members of the community to see the 2020 Archibald Prize exhibition.  

Art Exhibition

The Prize, an Art Gallery of New South Wales Touring Exhibition, has a long history in Australian culture and a vital contemporary presence. Its focus on people has special relevance at a time when catastrophic bushfires and the global pandemic have caused loss and isolation, while underlining the value of care and human connection. The 2020 prize reflects the breadth of national creativity, from major cities to remote communities.  

Portraits of performers, artists, activists and politicians reveal some of the voices who are defining the richness of contemporary Australia and, in this challenging year, there are also stories of vulnerability and resilience. 

Each year artists living in Australia and New Zealand submit portraits painted from life of people, preferentially ‘distinguished in art, letters, science or politics’. The trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales judge the entries and the winner receives $100,000, courtesy of presenting partner ANZ. There is also a local People’s Choice Award, so you can vote for your favourite work and be in the running to win a $500 cash prize. 

Alongside the Archibald Prize 2020 exhibition, the Regional Art Gallery will be displaying a local Young Archie Competition. Over 30 portraits from artists aged 5 to 18 years will be on show in the North Gallery. These portraits are of people who are special to them - someone who plays a significant role in their life. Make sure you read the artwork labels for some incredible stories of the people who inspire our young artists. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is thrilled to see the prestigious exhibition return to the region after nearly a decade.  

“I’m pleased the Shoalhaven Regional Art Gallery will be able to welcome fully vaccinated visitors to view the 2020 Archibald Exhibition in person”, Clr Findley said.  

“We are fortunate here in the Shoalhaven to host such a prestigious exhibition and I encourage our community to come along to take a look over the next month”, Clr Findley.  

COVID safe measures remain in place, visitors must be able to provide proof that they fully vaccinated against COVID, wear a mask indoors and check in using the Service NSW App. Some exemptions apply.  

The exhibition will be on display until Saturday 6 November 2021. Entry is free and be sure to bring along your phone and headphones to access a free mobile guide to each of the works. 

For more information on what’s on at the Gallery visit Shoalhaven Regional Art Gallery's website.