‘The Bald Archy Prize’

Australia’s premier satirical art prize, the Bald Archy Prize, is back! Celebrating the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit, we are looking forward to a host of portraits that will make you think, make you talk and most of all make you laugh.

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.