The Bald Archy Art Prize returned to Brewarrina this month, with a hilarious line-up of finalists painting portraits of well-known Australian personalities including Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Penrith Panthers player Nathan Cleary, Kylie Minogue, Robert Irwin and many more!

Opening night on Thursday 12 June at Brewarrina Visitors Information Centre saw a crowd of approximately 50 visitors from Brewarrina and Bourke.

The artworks were judged by Maude, the infamous sulphur-crested cockatoo. She picked Phil Meatchem's Despicable Ploy, which depicts Peter Dutton playing chess with nuclear power plants, as the winner.

Phil Meatchem's Despicable Ploy. IMAGE: SUPPLIED.

The Bald Archy is a hilarious and satirical parody of the Archibald Prize. It was originally founded by theatre director Peter Batey OAM, who was a longtime advocate for regional community engagement with arts and culture.

Brewarrina Shire Council had a longstanding relationship Peter, and was for many decades the only North Western location in NSW that hosted the collection.

After Peter's passing in 2019, he gave the Bald Archy Prize collection and the ongoing administration of the prize to the Museum of the Riverina, which he also had a connection with. The prize and exhibition relaunched in 2023, with Brewarrina continuing its relationship by hosting the annual tour. 

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was thrilled to welcome the return on the Bald Archy Art Prize in 2025.

“We have a longstanding relationship with the Bald Archy Art Prize, having first hosted an exhibition more than 20 years ago. It’s an annual event I look forward to every year,” said Mr Kirby.

“The opening night was a resounding success, with a fantastic turnout from the community and visitors across the region. There was a real buzz in the room all evening, highlighting just how much events like this mean to our local culture."

“I encourage everyone to take the time to visit the exhibition, explore the incredible portraits, and enjoy the unique humour that makes the Bald Archy so special. It’s a celebration of creativity and satire that brings people together and showcases the talent we have in Australia.”

If you missed out of opening night, don't worry! The Bald Archy exhibition will be on display at the Information Centre from Friday 13 June to Sunday 6 July, 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm on weekends.