Annabelle Choo, 6, from Pyromont, NSW Young Archies finalist submission with her self-portrait during her time in Japan.
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If you have a child or grandchild aged between 5 and 18 in the Goulburn Valley or Hume regions, Shepparton Art Museum is inviting them to take part in this year’s Young Archie competition.
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The Young Archie competition is a chance for young budding artists to showcase their creativity, imagination and unique perspective on a local stage.
Run annually by Art Gallery of NSW, the competition is a portrait challenge for young artists inspired by, and running concurrently with Australia’s oldest, most famous portrait prize, the Archibald Prize.
The SAM edition of the Young Archie provides an opportunity for primary school and high school students to create and submit a portrait of someone near and dear to them.
The competition will run alongside SAM’s presentation of the 2026 Archibald Prize exhibition during its regional tour from the Art Gallery of NSW.
Sam staff will select 26 finalists from the local submissions, and their works will be displayed in SAM’s Ryan Family Children’s gallery from September 5 to November 1.
In addition to the works selected for the physical display, all submissions will be digitally showcased throughout the gallery during the exhibition period.
SAM head of engagement Gabriella Calandro says the competition gives young budding artists the chance to showcase their works when the gallery will be bursting with energy.
“Hosting the Archibald Prize 2026 is significant for our community, and we’re thrilled to be presenting an opportunity to local students to be part of this celebrated event,” Ms Calandro said.
In October, four winning artists will be announced and each awarded with a special gift pack from the Art Gallery of NSW.
Entries must to be submitted to SAM by 4pm on Wednesday, August 5.
