May 12, 2025 – Excitement is in the air as the highly anticipated Bald Archy Art Prize returns to Brewarrina next month, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to engage with some of the most humorous, satirical and sometimes controversial, portraits in the art world.

The Bald Archy Art Prize, renowned for its irreverent take on the traditional Archibald Art competition, features works that blend wit, humour, and artistic skill. It offers a platform for artists to creatively express their perspectives on public figures, personalities, and contemporary issues.

The unique and bold exhibition will officially open on Thursday June 12, 2025, with a special Opening Night event with drinks, canapes and live music. The full exhibition will then be on display at the Brewarrina Visitors Information Centre from Friday June 13 to Sunday July 6, 2025.

This year’s finalists feature portraits of well-known Australian personalities including Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Penrith Panthers sensation Nathan Cleary, Olympic breakdancing star Raygun, mogul Gina Rinehart, wildlife warrior turned model Robert Irwin and more.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition’s return, and said he was pleased to see this calibre of artistic expression in outback NSW.  

“We are thrilled to once again welcome the Bald Archy Art Prize to our community in 2025. This exhibition not only brings laughter and reflection but also presents a unique side of the art world, opening it up to those who might usually consider art was not for them,” said Mr Kirby.

“It’s a very clever and distinctive annual exhibition, and a real coup for our region to have it on display, right here in Bre. I look forward to checking it out, and the opportunity to welcome visitors from across the district, showcasing the cultural vibrancy of our community.”

Famously judged by Maude, a sulphur-crested cockatoo, Brewarrina Shire Council will celebrate the arrival of the 2025 Bald Archy Exhibition with a special Opening Night event at the Brewarrina Visitors Information Centre. Tickets are $20, which includes entry to the exhibition, drinks, canapes and live music, and available for purchase on the door.

The full exhibition will be open to the public 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm weekends from Friday June 13 to Sunday July 6, 2025. Entry is $10.