Archibald Prize 2026: SAM Shepparton Art Museum

Juan Ford

5 Sep - 1 Nov 2026

Australia’s favourite and most significant art award has arrived in Shepparton for the exclusive Victorian leg of its regional tour.
The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the prize is awarded to the best portrait painting. Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times.
This touring exhibition from the Art Gallery of New South Wales is an opportunity to see the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2026.

SAM Talks: Beyond the Portrait – Meet the Archibald Prize 2026 Finalists
Join us for Beyond the Portrait: Meet the Archibald Finalists, a special two-day program bringing audiences face-to-face with four Victorian artists featured in the Archibald Prize 2026.
Across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, artists Sean Layh, Natasha Bieniek, Juan Ford and Peter Wegner will each present an illustrated lecture exploring their broader artistic practice, their journey to the Archibald Prize, and the ideas, relationships and creative processes behind their finalist work.
Each artist talk will be paired with an informal meet-and-greet in the exhibition space, giving visitors the opportunity to connect directly with the artist alongside their work and continue the conversation in the gallery.

Sunday 18 October:
Juan Ford (Portrait of Chloé Hayden)
10am–11am — Illustrated Lecture (free)

11.30am–12pm — Gallery Meet & Greet (exhibition ticket required)