Archie 100 exhibition welcomes nearly 3,000 visitors in first two week

Wes Walters Molly (detail) 1983, collection of Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum, Melbourne © Estate of Wes Walters

Northern Tasmanians have embraced the magic of Australia's most prestigious art prize, with 2,893 people visiting the exhibition in the first two weeks of opening.

The Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize exhibition explores the Archibald prize across its history, revealing fascinating stories behind 100 carefully selected artworks.

Celebrating 100 years of the Prize, the exhibition uncovers changes in society in engaging ways, enabling people to experience how artistic styles and approaches to portraiture have changed over a century.

City of Launceston Mayor, Danny Gibson said the attendance is a clear indication of the level of support northern Tasmanians have for the arts.

"To have an exhibition such as the Archie 100 tour to northern Tasmania, and to have the tour exclusively on display at QVMAG, is brilliant," Mayor Gibson said.

"Our City is one that rallies around the activation of art, culture and history and this national touring exhibition is a showcase of just that.

"I encourage everyone to make the most of this exhibition while on tour to QVMAG in Launceston until 8 January 2023."

General Manager of Creative Arts and Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said local support for the Archie 100 tour to Launceston has been nothing short of fantastic.

"The support from our community for this exhibition so far has been outstanding and I would encourage everyone to visit this unique and nationally significant exhibition before it leaves Launceston in early January," Mr Fitzgerald said.

"Being able to provide access to world-class exhibitions such as this right here at home in Launceston is a testament to our community and the standing of arts and culture in northern Tasmania.

"We look forward to bringing more blockbuster projects to Tasmania in the year ahead."

The Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize is now showing at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk (2 Invermay Road, Launceston) until 8 January 2023.

Ticket sales are available online at www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/Archie-100 or at the door prior to entry.

Issued Friday 11 November 2022.