Opening Night in the VL Gallery, The Bundawarrah Centre
Get along to the Opening Night and the cracker Exhibition!
About the Prize
Judged by Professor Maude Cockatoo, the world’s premier avian art critic, it gives a genuine opportunity to artists of all styles and standards to create portrait paintings of humour, dark satire, light comedy or caricature. In its’ first year the Bald Archy Prize struck a chord with the public and a nerve with the arts establishment.
While the Coolac Festival of Fun was retired after 12 years, due to public demand the Bald Archy Prize lives on. It encapsulates the irreverent, larrikin Australian spirit in a way that appeals to people from all walks of life, it is now internationally known and has been exhibited across Australia. Winning subjects have included Kerry Packer, Shane Warne, John Howard, Pauline Hanson and myriad other Australian icons.
After the passing of Peter Batey in 2019, the administration of the Bald Archy Prize was handed over to the Museum of the Riverina, Wagga Wagga. Returning for its 27th year in 2023, the Bald Archy Prize is again calling for artworks to carry on the fine tradition of having a laugh while enjoying art.
2023 Bald Archy Prize for caricature portraits announced, with “shock” winner
In a “shock” move, Australia’s tallest poppies were snubbed in the announcement of this year’s Bald Archy Prize for caricature portraits.
Considered Australia’s premier satirical art prize (even if slightly less famous than the Archibald Prize), the Bald Archy Prize celebrates the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit.
The winner went to a portrait by Marty Steel of the founder of the Bald Archy Prize, Peter Batey who passed away in 2019.
Peter Batey OAM was a distinguished arts administrator and pioneer of contemporary Australian theatre. After a long and successful career, Peter relocated to Coolac, a small town near Gundagai, where he contributed significantly to the regional community and created the Festival of Fun, of which the Bald Archy Prize was a key part.