Corowa Art Space to Host the 2024 Bald Archy Prize

The Bald Archy Prize is returning to the Corowa Art Space for its 28th year. The Bald Archy Prize will be on display daily from Saturday 7th September until Sunday 6th October.

The Bald Archy prize was started by the late Peter Batey OAM in a corrugated iron shed at Coolac, just north of Gundagai in 1994, as a send-up of the prestigious portraiture award the Archibald Prize. The Bald Archy Prize celebrates the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit. Calling for paintings that include wit, slapstick, vulgarity, farce, black comedy, irreverence and everything in between, the prize pokes fun at Australians distinguished in art, letters, politics, sport or the media. The award continues to be judged by Professor Maude the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo whose eye for art matches her wicked wit.

Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler said, “With twice as many works as the previous year, 40 portraits will be on display at the Corowa Art Space. This year the exhibition features portraits of Australians and people of note such as Bob Katter, Jacinta Price and Scott Cam. The 2024 winner of the $10,000 prize was awarded to artist Judy Nadin, for her work Flippin’ Kerfection, a satirical caricature depicting Australian professional soccer player Sam Kerr OAM’s iconic celebratory backflip in exaggerated action.”

“Also included in the exhibition is the work of Corowa’s own Michael Mack, “I have three works entered and really enjoyed painting them. It's an opportunity to extend yourself and have a lot of fun. It would be great if other local artists submitted work next year. I’m looking forward to another great Bald Archy.” Visitors will be able to hear all about Michael’s creative process at his Artist Talk being held 11am on Wednesday 25th September.”

Entry to the exhibition is $5 for adults, free entry for children under 18.

Opening times are Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and on weekends 10am – 2pm.

For further enquiries about the Bald Archy Prize’s tour to Corowa, contact [email protected] or (02) 6033 8936.