TICKETS are available now for the highly anticipated 2023 Archibald Prize at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, the exclusive Victorian destination for the popular event.
Opening 15 September, MPRG will welcome enthusiastic art lovers for the prestigious prize with a display of 57 portraits, including this year’s winning portrait of singer songwriter Montaigne by Julia Gutman alongside the notable Packing Room Prize 2023 winning work of Cal Wilson by Andrea Huelin.
As the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2023 regional tour, visitors to the exhibition can see portraits of public figures and cultural identities from all walks of life, reflecting the stories of our times.
As part of the Archibald Prize celebrations, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is curating a program of events including artist talks, tours, workshops, and stacks of family-friendly activities for the school holidays.
An icon of the peninsula culinary scene will be serving up locally roasted coffee, nutritious seasonal tucker and boutique wine and beer. Friday nights, the exhibition will be open late until 9pm. Unwind at HABITAT Bar, with live music from local artists and an extensive menu of drinks from renowned Mornington Peninsula purveyors such as TWOBAYS Brewery, Jetty Road, JimmyRum, Bass & Flinders Distillery, Rhino Tiger Bear Winery and Rahona Winery. Dine from food pop-ups and enjoy cheese boards courtesy of The Vegan Dairy and Boatshed Cheese.
Mayor Councillor Steve Holland said, ‘We are excited to be hosting Australia’s number one art exhibition again. It will not only benefit MPRG, but also the wider Mornington Peninsula community, including retailers, hospitality and accommodation businesses.’
Danny Lacy, Director, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery said: ‘It’s an honour to have the Archibald Prize return to grace our walls for the first time in ten years. This event is as popular as ever and we encourage art fans and cultural adventurers to book their tickets in advance so they can plan their Mornington Peninsula experience.’
This exclusive exhibition will bring tens of thousands of visitors to the iconic Mornington Peninsula destination to enjoy the works on display and the immersive program of events and art experiences.
Established in 1921, Archibald Prize is now more than a century old and is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The Archibald Prize 2023 will be on display at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Civic Reserve, Dunns Road, Mornington from 15 September to 5 November 2023.
Timed entry, flexible entry and open late tickets available now. To book your spot to experience Australia’s most prestigious art prize visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
First published in the Mornington News – 4th July 2023
