Young Archie winners announced in Alice Springs as part of 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition

The winners of an inaugural portrait competition have been announced in the Red Centre – and it might be the beginning of fruitful careers in the arts for some. SEE THE WORKS.

Seven-year-old Koputai Aratangi heading to the to stage to get his certificate. May 2023. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Portraits of best friends, “adopted grandmas” and more by youngsters in the Red Centre have been recognised, in what could be the beginning of a fruitful arts career.

On Friday, the winners of the Young Archies portrait competition were announced in Alice Springs at the Araluen Arts Centre.

Of the 155 entries in the competition, 46 were selected as finalists, while five youngsters receiving a highly commended award and four walking away with the top prize: a $50 Eckersley’s voucher.

16-year-old Martha Livingstone won the 16-18-year-old category of the Young Archie portrait competition in Alice Springs with her portrait 'lines of wisdom' (top), a lino print portrait of her 'adopted grandma' Maya. Picture: Gera Kazakov

In the 16-18-year-old category, 16-year-old Martha Livingstone was the winner for her lino print portrait of her “adopted grandma” Maya.

“We found Maya and she’s just brought us into her family and she’s just the loveliest lady you could imagine,” she said.

Maya had yet to see the portrait, Martha said, who was taking her down to the exhibition “in a couple of days”.

“I think she’ll be really excited and extremely proud,” she said.

The youngest of the winners was Devansh Pathik in the 5-8-years-old category with his portrait “my dad”.

The 9-12-years-old category was won by 10-year-old Scarlett Dennison, and the 12-15-years-old category was taken out by Azariah Martin.

10-year-old Scarlett Dennison won the 9-12-year-old category of the Young Archie portrait competition in Alice Springs with her portrait 'for my b.f.f', a portrait of her best friend. May 2023. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Scarlett said she used needle felting to create her portrait, which depicts her best friend Jaya.

It was her first time entering a portrait competition and she would like to be a sculptor when she’s older, she said.

The Young Archies entries were judged by Hettie Perkins, who said the standard was high with entrants using different mediums reflecting a variety of styles and themes.

“As a group, the entries for the inaugural Young Archie Mparntwe are very impressive – in the range and diversity of mediums and styles and themes, and especially in the talent displayed by the artists,” she said.

The 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition has come to the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs is opening to the public Thursday, April 24, 2025. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The Young Archies competition is part of the 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition, which has come to Alice Springs for the first time in the portrait competitions 100-year history.

Entrants from the young archies will be displayed alongside the main Archibald Prize exhibition in the Araluen Arts Centre until June 15.

NT Arts Minister Jinson Charles said the young archies was a great way to recognise and celebrate young and emerging artists in the Territory.

“The competition attracted a high number of entries from young artists, demonstrating the passion and creativity of so many young Territorians who used their talents to turn their heartwarming stories about loved ones into beautiful artwork,” he said.

Originally published as Young Archie winners announced in Alice Springs as part of 2024 Archibald Prize exhibition