Lismore art lovers are in for a treat in early July when the 2024 Archibald Prize goes on display at the Lismore Regional Gallery.

The Archibald is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike across Australia. It is judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW and awarded annually to a notable portrait painting.

Entries to the Archibald Prize must be painted in the preceding year from at least one live sitting. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting the personal and intimate stories of our times.

This will be only the second time in the Archibald's history that it has made its way to the Lismore Regional Gallery. Locals and visitors from as far as Brisbane can view the 57 finalist works from the 2024 iteration across the three main galleries.

The Archibald Prize 2024 features works by Northern NSW artists Matt Adnate (winner of the Packing Room Prize), Angus McDonald and Ben Smith.

(Archibald Prize 2024 finalist and Packing Room Prize 2024 winner, Matt Adnate, 'Rhythms of heritage' © the artist)

Lismore Art Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph is really excited about bringing the Archibald Prize to Lismore.

"It reinforces for us at Lismore Regional Gallery that partnerships with major institutions like the Art Gallery of New South Wales continue to have trust in bringing touring exhibitions to Lismore after everything that's happened. It really demonstrates the importance of bringing these state institution shows to regional areas as well." 

Art lovers will know that the 2025 Archibald Prize was announced in early May. The 2025 exhibition will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW until August 17, when it begins its statewide tour. For the 2024 exhibition, Lismore is the final leg.

If you miss such a prestigious art exhibition this time, and think you will wait and view the 2025 collection, think again.

"With the Archibald Prize, it is shared across the state with regional galleries, so each year they send the prize on tour to several venues. We were the last venue for the 2024 prize, so this year the 2025 prize will go on tour to several venues, but because there's so many regional and public galleries in New South Wales, we probably won't see the Archibald again for another seven years. It's a big wait list." 

The impact on Lismore as a city and the art gallery itself promises to be substantial.

"We would say it's more than triple what we would normally get, so we're gearing up for lots of visitors. Lots of visitors from beyond the region as well, even travelling from Brisbane, because they don't get the Archbald in Brisbane and it's only a couple of hours away. So we are expecting lots of art lovers and interested visitors, as well as school groups. For example, the Art Express touring exhibition we had a couple of months ago, we probably brought through around 700 students. So, we expect a similar response, if not more, for the Archibald." 

"People will come, and they won't just come and look at the exhibition, they'll explore Lismore. I imagine they will go and get lunch or go to a coffee shop; I think it will be really beneficial," Ashleigh said.

The 2024 Archibald Prize will be on display at the Lismore Regional Gallery (11 Rural Street, Lismore) from 5 July to 31 August 2025. 

It is anticipated to be a very busy period, so you are encouraged to plan your visit and book tickets early to avoid disappointment.

General entry is $15.00, Concession $10.00 and Children free (under 16 years old)

The following session times are available for ticket purchase, Wednesday to Sunday:

• 10.00am - 12.00pm
• 12.00pm - 2.00pm 
• 2.00.pm - 4.00pm

To book your tickets, click here.