Brewarrina is gearing up for a burst of colour, character and cheek, with the Bald Archy Art Prize Exhibition returning later this month.
Famous for its satirical spin on the traditional Archibald Prize, the Bald Archy has carved out its own place in Australia’s cultural scene. Each year, artists from across the country take aim at public figures, pop culture icons and headline-makers — producing portraits that are as bold as they are entertaining.
Now in its landmark 30th year, the exhibition continues to grow, with a record number of entries received in 2026 and a wave of new artists bringing fresh perspectives to the long-running prize. Politics remains a favourite theme, with the exhibition featuring familiar faces including Bob Katter, Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce and Anthony Albanese.
This year’s $10,000 prize winner is artist Mark Davis for his work Emperor Australis — a clever take on Jacques-Louis David’s Napoleon Crossing the Alps, reimagining Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a heroic yet humorous pose atop a kangaroo.
The full collection will be on display at the Brewarrina Visitors Information Centre.
The exhibition officially opens with a special Opening Night Celebration on Friday May 29 from 5:30pm. Tickets are $20 at the door, with food and drinks included — a great opportunity to be among the first to experience the exhibition.
Following opening night, the Bald Archy Exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday May 30 through to Saturday June 27.
Widely regarded as Australia’s cheekiest portrait prize, the Bald Archy continues to draw crowds with its unique blend of humour, satire and creativity — and its return to Brewarrina is set to be another highlight on the local events calendar.
To check out the full list of 2026 finalists, click here.
