2016 Warrnibald Entries Open

The region’s most popular portrait prize is back for another year, with registrations now open for the Warrnibald Portrait Competition, sponsored by the Western District Employment Access (are-able) Artlink program.

Drawing inspiration from the renowned Archibald Prize, the Warrnibald invites artists currently living in Warrnambool, Moyne or Corangamite to enter a portrait of someone who has made a significant contribution to local culture, charity, business, sport or politics in our region or has represented our region in these areas nationally or internationally.

The prize is a joint initiative of the Warrnambool Art Gallery (WAG) and are-able with money raised from the sale of paintings going to are-able’s Artlink program, which makes the creation and enjoyment of art accessible for people with a disability or who are experiencing disadvantage.

WAG Director Vanessa Gerrans said that the Warrnibald was quickly establishing itself as a highlight on the regional arts calendar.

“The enthusiasm that the Warrnibald has generated among local artists as well as the wider community is tremendous,” she said.

“Last year’s exhibition was incredibly successful and this year is shaping up to be even bigger. It’s early days yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we had over 50 portraits submitted.

“We are pleased to be able to include the Warrnibald in our post-Fun4Kids Festival exhibition program, which also includes emerging artist Jessica Meggs, a grand display of sacred spaces by Claudia Terstappen and a series of prints by Melbourne and Warrnambool artists.”

are-able will continue to support local artists by offering prizes which include the Judge’s Choice ($2000) and the ‘Archibool’, or People’s Choice ($2000).

Sarah Schmidt, Director of the Hamilton Art Gallery, will be the guest judge.

Joseph Archibald established the Warrnambool Museum and Art Gallery in 1886 while his son Jules François Archibald founded the Archibald Prize through his bequest of 1919. His aim was to foster portraiture, as well as support artists, and perpetuate the memory of great Australians.

Warrnambool’s own take on the famous competition was first held by are-able in 2012 at their Artlink Gallery in Koroit St.

“The Warrnibald was and still is a way of highlighting the great work done by are-able’s ArtLink program,” are-able Enterprises Manager Jack Melican said.

“are-able and Artlink are proud to continue supporting The Warrnibald with its vision to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to our community.”

Last year Madeleine Peters won the Judge’s Choice award with her portrait of The Standard journalist Matt Neal while Jeffrey Vizon won the People’s Choice award with his portrait of Pippa Rea.

The exhibition opens on Saturday July 16 and runs until Sunday August 21.

For entry forms and full terms and conditions, visit www.thewag.com.au or enquire at the front desk at either the WAG or are-able.

Material courtesy of Warrnambool City Council