In a significant cultural milestone for South-west Sydney, the prestigious Archibald Prize 2024 exhibition is set to transform Liverpool’s Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre into a hub of artistic excellence, running alongside two compelling youth-focused exhibitions that spotlight the region’s emerging talent.
The triple-exhibition showcase, running from 8 February to 6 April 2025, represents an unprecedented celebration of Australian portraiture, bringing together established masters and emerging artists under one roof. The centrepiece, the Archibald Prize 2024, features compelling portraits of notable Australians, including the winning portrait of acclaimed author Tim Winton by artist Laura Jones, alongside portraits of Matildas soccer star Cortnee Vine, ABC personality Tony Armstrong, and respected academic Professor Marcia Langton AO.
“This combination of exhibitions – placing the renowned Archibald Prize alongside the work of local youth – shows the artistic future of our country can be found here in Liverpool,” says Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun, highlighting the strategic importance of bringing world-class art to the region.
Youth in Focus
The exhibition series includes two complementary shows that demonstrate Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing young artistic talent. The Young Archie Liverpool competition, running from 1 February to 6 April, provides a platform for artists aged 5-18 to showcase their portrait-making skills across four age categories. Each young artist has been tasked with creating a portrait of someone significant in their life, mirroring the prestigious parent competition’s format.
Adding to the youth focus, NEXT 2024 (1 February to 27 April) showcases outstanding works from HSC Visual Arts students across the Liverpool Local Government Area. This annual exhibition has become a crucial launching pad for emerging artists and offers the community a glimpse into the future of Australian art.
Cultural Investment
The initiative represents a significant investment in cultural infrastructure by Liverpool City Council, demonstrating how local government can play a pivotal role in arts accessibility. “When councils invest in the arts, they empower individuals, enrich local culture, and cultivate a sense of pride and belonging within their communities,” Mayor Mannoun explains.
The Archibald Prize exhibition at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre is free to enter, ensuring broad community access to one of Australia’s most significant cultural events. The exhibition’s opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, 15 February, from 11am to 1pm, marking a historic moment for arts and culture in South-west Sydney.
Visitor Information
- Archibald Prize 2024
- Dates: 8 February to 6 April 2025
- Location: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
- Entry: Free
- Young Archie Liverpool
- Dates: 1 February to 6 April 2025
- Features works from artists aged 5-18
- Winners announced: 15 February 2025
- NEXT 2024
- Dates: 1 February to 27 April 2025
- Showcasing HSC Visual Arts student works
- Includes $500 NEXT Prize for outstanding artist
This unprecedented combination of exhibitions not only brings Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize to Liverpool but also creates a unique dialogue between established and emerging artists, cementing Liverpool’s position as a growing cultural destination in Greater Sydney.
