The Bald Archy Prize returns for 2025

Published: 13 Nov 2024 8:39am

The Bald Archy Prize is back!

Submissions are now open for the very best satirical art for the 2025 Bald Archy Prize, with a $10,000 first prize up for grabs.

The late Peter Batey OAM, who began the Prize in 1994, always insisted it be open to every artist, irrespective of style or age.

Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy is encouraging artists from all over Australia to enter.

“We’re calling for artworks that demonstrate wit and irreverence, farce and black comedy, and preferably featuring an Australian identity who is distinguished in art, science, letters, politics, sport or the media,” Mr Grealy said.

“The Bald Archy Prize was started by Peter as a send-up of the prestigious portraiture award, the Archibald Prize, and since then has become an iconic event on the Australian art calendar.

“It appeals strongly to those who wouldn’t normally visit an art gallery.”

Mr Grealy said the award continues to be judged by Professor Maude the Sulphur Crested cockatoo.

“In an interview before his death, Peter Batey said it took 12 galahs to judge the Archibald but only one cockatoo to judge the Bald Archy.”

Previous entries in the prize have featured satirical portraits of Ash Barty, Olivia Newton John, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton.

“The 2024 award winner featured Sam Kerr performing her world-famous victory backflip, and together with other entries in this year’s competition will be exhibited in Wagga Wagga’s Museum of the Riverina - Historic Council Chambers from 18 December.”

Entries for the 2025 prize are open until 19 January 2025.