Awarded to the best painting of a notable Australian, the Archibald Prize is a ‘who’s who’ of Australian culture, from politicians to celebrities, and from sporting heroes to artists.

Prestigious and controversial, the Archibald Prize is Australia’s foremost portraiture prize, awarding $100,000 prizemoney for the winning artist.

Finalists are exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales before embarking on a year-long regional tour, which next year will include Orange’s gallery.

The Archibald Prize has been held annually since 1921. An open competition, it is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Entries must be painted in the past year from at least one live sitting.

Five-time finalist Yvette Coppersmith won the 2018 Archibald Prize for her work ‘Self-portrait after George Lambert’.

The gallery’s director Bradley Hammond said staff were also excited to announce they will be presenting the very first 2019 Young Archie – a Central West-based competition and exhibition for junior artists.

Budding artists between the ages of five and 18 are invited to submit a portrait for the Young Archie competition, as part of the gallery’s family-focused activities held in conjunction with the Achibald’s regional tour.

Would-be entrants are advised the portrait should be of a person who is special to them: someone who is known to the artist and plays a significant role in their life.

There are four age categories: 5-8 year olds, 9-12, 13-15, and 16-18.

The competition will be judged by the gallery’s community engagement and education officer Cecilie Knowles and a special guest judge, who will base their decision on merit and originality.

Shortlisted entries from each category will be exhibited at the gallery, with one winner chosen in each category to each receive prizes provided by ANZ.

Entries are now open and must be received by January 24 to be considered.

Visit www.org.nsw.gov.au for entry forms, terms and conditions.