Archibald drop offs commence in Sydney

Staff at the Art Gallery of NSW are excited as those waiting for a prized online purchase as entries begin arriving for Australia’s most famous – and controversial – creative prizes.

Artists have began dropping off their artwork entries for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney on Monday morning. Picture: AAP

It’s usually the glistening halls of the Art Gallery of NSW which captivates the hearts and minds of visitors, however on Monday all eyes were on the courier entrance.

Archibald season is upon us with those hoping to be in the running for some of Australia’s most prestigious art prizes arriving with their labours of love as the deadline for the 2024 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prizes nears.

The delivery dock at the rear of the gallery’s serene Naala Nura building – usually frequently by professional couriers at any other time of the year – was a hive of excitement on Monday as aspiring talent and renowned creatives arrived en masse greeting eager curators and staff who happily received an influx of portraits, landscapes and mural paintings.

Self-portraits, including an arresting image of a bearded man sporting tattoos and consuming bottles of VB beer and a hand rolled cigarette, picturesque landscapes of rough seas and rugged coastline for the Wynne prize and colourful murals for the Sulman category were spotted being carried in with care by artists and their representatives from all over the country.

Artist Marijke Greenway, left, drops off her entry for the Wynne prize at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney on Monday. Picture: AAP

Staff who receive the works will be busy all week and after this Friday’s cut off date as they unpack and hang all entries.

During this time is when the “packing room” team are also on the look out for gems and genius as they identify contenders for the popular Packing Room prize – a $3000 cash prize that is awarded to the Archibald entry they deem the most worthy.

The prizes for Australia’s most celebrated, democratic and – at times – controversial – art awards will be announced on June 7.