The Coffs Harbour Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) has become home of the Archibald Prize for the the final stop the 2025 touring exhibition of Australia’s most celebrated portrait award.
Featuring compelling portrayals of figures from stage and screen, music, media, and journalism, alongside reflections on activism, politics, and everyday life, Archibald Prize 2025 on tour from the Art Gallery of New Wales, offers a rich and diverse portrait of Australian society today.
City of Coffs Harbour Museum and Gallery Service Leader Carrie Kibbler said YAM would celebrate hosting the exhibition (7 August – 13 September) with a string of complementary events.
“And in keeping with the spirit of the Archibald Prize, we’ll have a People’s Choice Award where you can vote for your favourite artwork during your visit to YAM and go into the draw for a $500 gift card, generously provided by the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW),” Ms Kibbler said.
To vote, simply scan the unique QR code which will be available inside YAM for the duration of the Archibald Prize exhibition.
“Having the finalist artworks from the Archibald Prize at YAM is incredibly significant for a regional gallery which is fast establishing a reputation for excellence in every respect,” said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Having the exhibition here is massive for the local community and indeed the wider region of the North Coast and west to the Tablelands as it will be an arts tourism bucket-list experience.”
First awarded in 1921, the Archibald Prize remains Australia’s most popular – and often most debated – art award. Selected from over 900 entries by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the exhibition also celebrates the coveted Packing Room Prize.
The Archibald Prize 2025 regional tour is supported by major partner Optus. To find out more about each of this year’s Archibald Prize finalists visit artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald/2025.
