SAM Young Archie 2026 competition invites submissions from local schools
27 July 2026
Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) eagerly invites local schools across the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions to participate in this year’s Young Archie competition, to be held at SAM from 5 September to 1 November alongside the museum’s presentation of the Archibald Prize 2026 exhibition during its regional tour from Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Now in its 14th year, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’s annual Young Archie competition is a portrait challenge for young artists inspired by and running concurrently alongside Australia’s oldest and most famous portrait prize, the Archibald Prize.
Celebrating the creativity, imagination, and unique perspectives of young people across our region, a SAM edition of Young Archie 2026 will offer local students aged between 5 years and 18 years an exciting opportunity to create and submit a portrait of someone near and dear to them.
The 26 finalist works, to be selected by SAM from the local submissions, will be showcased in SAM’s Ryan Family Children's Gallery from 5 September to 1 November 2026, giving budding artists the chance to see their creativity celebrated alongside Australia's most beloved portraiture prize when it tours to the region.
SAM warmly invites schools throughout the Goulburn Valley and Hume region to coordinate artwork entries with students and submit them to SAM by 4pm, Wednesday 5 August. In addition to the 26 finalist artworks selected for physical display, all received submissions will be digitally showcased throughout the SAM building across the exhibition period.
Gabriella Calandro, SAM Head of Engagement, says about the competition:
“Hosting the Archibald Prize 2026 is significant for our community, and we’re thrilled to be presenting an opportunity to local students to be a part of this celebrated event. The Archibald Prize is beloved across the nation and will be a huge drawcard for our region; we hope schools and students are excited by this chance to contribute their own portraits and have their talent recognised by the thousands of visitors who will be travelling to Shepparton during the exhibition’s run.”
From the finalists, four artists will have their artworks crowned as the winners of the SAM Young Archie. Winners will be selected from the categories of primary school-aged and secondary school-aged finalists, and will be awarded a gift pack from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
To learn more, visit the SAM website or get in touch with SAM Education staff at education@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.
Archibald Prize 2026 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition
ENDS
Featured artwork: Annabelle Choo (age 6), 'Japanese Annabelle', Young Archies 2026 finalist, 5-8 year olds
Key dates:
- Entries must be received by 5 August 2026, 4pm
- Finalists will be displayed 5 September – 1 November 2026 in the SAM Children’s Gallery; all submissions will be displayed digitally on screens across the SAM Facility
- Finalists will be notified 7 August 2026, and winners will be announced on 14 October 2026
- Winners announced: TBC
Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso draws in thousands of visitors in the first month
27 July 2026
WINTER SEASON AT SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM MODERN ART, HANDS-ON CREATIVITY AND A PERFECT GOULBURN VALLEY GETAWAY
Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso draws in thousands of visitors in the first month
This winter, Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is inviting families, art lovers and curious minds to experience a world-class exhibition alongside a vibrant program of creative activities in the heart of Victoria's Goulburn Valley.
Since opening in late May, Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki has welcomed more than 3,000 visitors, cementing its status as one of regional Victoria's must-see cultural experiences this winter.
The landmark exhibition, on display until 20 September, features 37 extraordinary paintings and sculptures by some of the most celebrated artists of the modern era, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cezanne and Georges Braque. As the exhibition's only Australian venue, SAM offers a rare opportunity to encounter these internationally significant works without leaving the country.
Throughout the winter, visitors can delve deeper into the exhibition through a series of experiences designed to spark creativity and imagination for art lovers of all ages. Inspired by the bold colours, innovative techniques and groundbreaking ideas of the artists featured in Facing Modernity, SAM's school holiday program SAM Winter Camp will include hands-on art-making workshops, guided family activities, drop-in creative sessions and opportunities for young visitors to explore the exhibition in engaging and accessible ways. Beyond children’s programming, two life drawing workshops inspired by the human forms of Facing Modernity will guide participants through dynamic sketching exercises, while Bar SAM Soirée will unfold across three evenings in June, July and August, bringing live jazz performances to SAM’s Level 4 Terrace Bar for an intimate evening experience.
SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy said the winter season provides the perfect opportunity for art lovers to discover both the exhibition and the region.
"Facing Modernity has already captured the imagination of thousands of visitors, and the cooler season offer the perfect time to experience these remarkable works together," said Danny.
"Whether you're introducing children to Picasso for the first time, exploring the exhibition with friends and family, or making a weekend of it in the Goulburn Valley, there is something for everyone to enjoy."
Beyond the gallery walls, visitors can extend their stay and discover the best of the Goulburn Valley. Renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, vibrant food scene and picturesque landscapes, the region offers plenty of opportunities for families seeking a winter escape.
From orchard-lined drives and riverside walks to farm gate experiences, playgrounds and cafés, the Goulburn Valley provides the perfect complement to a day at SAM. Located just two hours from Melbourne, Shepparton is an easy and rewarding destination for a cultural day trip or weekend getaway.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali encouraged locals and visitors to enjoy the activities taking place these holidays.
“There are plenty of family activities running alongside the exhibition these winter holidays. From local business activations to SAM’s school holiday program, there’s so much on offer across Shepparton and Goulburn Valley,” he said.
“We encourage locals and visitors to go out and make the most of the over 60 unique and tailored experiences in the Eat, Play, Stay & Shop guide, as well as the Home for the Holidays activities.”
Locals staying home for the school holidays are encouraged to invite friends and relatives to visit and explore the home grown activities available in Shepparton and Goulburn Valley and enjoy special events and happenings at local venues over winter. Tickets for Facing Modernity are discounted for curious art lovers living locally.
The exhibition forms part of a major partnership with Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and showcases works drawn from the internationally significant Robertson Collection. Spanning Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism and Surrealism, Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso traces the artistic revolution that transformed the way we see and understand the world.
Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is on at the Shepparton Art Museum until 20 September. For tickets, program details and further information visit sheppartonartmuseum.com.au. For further information on exploring the region visit sheppandgv.com.au.
Image credit: Facing Modernity: Degas to Picasso from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, installation view, Shepparton Art Museum, 2026. Photo: Leon Schoots