Young artists recognised at Young Archie Tamworth

Young artists recognised in each age group were Florence Foster from Quirindi (5-8 years), Abigail Fraser from Oxley High School (9-12 years), Joshua Filby from McCarthy Catholic College (13-15 years), Anika Foster from Quirindi (16-18 years) and the Packing Room Prize went to Nicole McCartney from Peel High School for her portrait “Fighter”.

UNE Vice-Chancellor Chris Moran said UNE is a proud sponsor of the Archibald Prize Tour Exhibition in Tamworth for the second time, and host of the evening event to recognize the young artistic talent of the region.

“Congratulations to all the young artists who entered the Young Archie this year. The talent on display is truly impressive. The team at UNE Tamworth will proudly have these works on show from 1 June and I encourage the whole community to come to Peel House and visit the exhibition,” Professor Moran said.

Director, Tamworth Regional Gallery Bridget Guthrie, said winners of the portrait prize were selected by a panel of judges from over 120 entries from across the north west.

“The judging panel included myself, two members of the Tamworth Youth Council, Arts North West Director Lauren Mackley, UNE PhD candidate Kisani Upward and were led by local artist and previous Archibald finalist David Darcy,” Ms Guthrie said.

“We were delighted by the scope and quality of the Young Archie portraits for the Tamworth exhibition. It is a joy to see the creativeness of our local student artists. Congratulations to all who submitted entries, and the 15 finalists.”

The works will be on display from June 1 at UNE Tamworth on Fitzroy Street as well as the Tamworth Regional Art Gallery and City Library, and is open to the public

The Archibald Prize 2023 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition and Tamworth is one of only six locations across Victoria and New South Wales to be included, and the only gallery in the New England and Northwest region. The portraits will be on display from 10 May – 23 June, 2024.

Full list of winners and highlight commended of the Young Archie: