The team bringing the Archibald Prize to town. SAM programs co-ordinator Bryony Large, SAM marketing co-ordinator Mikaela Guseli, SAM exhibition manager Nick Baylart, SAM arts director Danny Lacy, SAM director of business Andrew Gooley, SAM exhibition and collection officer Jen Parker, SAM development manager Carmel Johnson and SAM head of engagement Gabriella Calandro.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A rare opportunity to see the work of some of Australia’s leading artists has arrived in town, with the Archibald Prize 2026 opening at Shepparton Art Museum on Saturday, September 5.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
SAM is the only Victorian venue hosting the prestigious portrait exhibition this year.
The exhibition runs until November 1 and features 59 works, including the winning portrait by Melbourne-based artist Richard Lewer.
SAM artistic director Danny Lacy said the museum was thrilled to host the Archibald Prize for the first time.
“We’re so lucky to be the exclusive Victorian venue for this year’s tour,” he said.
Mr Lacy said the exhibition offered something for everyone.
“It is one of the best exhibitions,” he said.
“Anyone can come in and find a painting that they love, or a painting that they hate.
“You don’t have to know anything about art to come in and see this show because it’s about people. Everyone relates to people and portraiture.”
SAM artistic director Danny Lacy is thrilled to bring the prestigious prize to Shepparton for the first time.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
From the governor-general to media personalities, the exhibition features a range of recognisable faces, alongside lesser-known Australians.
“But there’s also a lot of just everyday heroes, and I think everyone’s got a story. That’s the great thing about the Archibald, there’s 59 artworks. There’s 59 stories.”
Mr Lacy said bringing the exhibition to Shepparton was particularly significant for locals.
“It’s really important for our audience to be able to access some of the best and most contemporary work that’s being made at the moment,” he said.
“You can see these images on screen or in print, but they take on a different realm when they’re in person.
“Their scale, the brightness, the texture — you can’t replicate that … it really is an experience to come in and see all these amazing works.
Artworks by Sarah Satha (left) and Kelly Maree (right) are two of the 59 pieces on display.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
“For some people it could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The exhibition is also expected to attract visitors from across Victoria, with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali saying major arts events were helping highlight the region.
“The more we continue to showcase what we do here and continue to put arts and culture on the map … will pay dividends in getting people to our region,” he said.
The Archibald Prize will be accompanied by a range of events, including talks, tours, workshops and activities, as well as the Young Archies, which features works by local young people.
SAM will be open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm until November 1, with extended hours until 6pm on selected dates.
