Exhibition Tour Each year, the irreverent and entertaining Bald Archy artworks embark on a year-long tour throughout New South Wales and Victoria. Hosted by regional galleries and cultural venues, this satirical exhibition brings a uniquely Australian brand of humour and caricature directly to communities across the region.

About the Prize The Bald Archy Prize is Australia’s most irreverent portrait award, celebrating wit, satire and the lighter side of portraiture. With a $10,000 acquisitive first prize and a $2,000 People’s Choice Award on offer, each year artists of all styles and standards are invited to submit comic or satirical portraits of a distinguished Australian that embrace humour, parody and caricature. Punters can see submissions from some of Australia’s best-known political cartoonists and most enthusiastic amateurs in the wildly popular Bald Archy exhibition, coming to a venue near you. Created in 1994 by Peter Batey OAM as a light-hearted counterpoint to the Archibald Prize and judged by the world’s premier avian art critic, Professor Maude Cockatoo it’s purpose is simple: to remind us that art can be clever, critical and funny, all at once. It is a celebration of the irreverent, larrikin Australian spirit in a way that appeals to people from all walks of life.

“It was meant to amuse – apparently a problem with people who believe audible laughter shouldn’t be permitted in an art gallery, let alone unsolicited conversation with a complete stranger”
- Peter Batey OAM, 2015

Now administered by the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga, The Bald Archy Prize brings accessible, entertaining and thought-provoking art to regional communities. Following an annual launch at the Canberra Potters Watson Arts Centre, the exhibition tours extensively throughout regional New South Wales and Victoria before completing its journey at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site. Check out the Exhibition Tour page to find out when the Bald Archy is coming your way (or to register your interest in hosting the Bald Archy!).