The Archibald Prize 2023 has officially landed in Mornington, attracting more than 2000 visitors over the opening weekend. The exhibition kicked off with an exclusive opening event on Thursday 14 September where artists, politicians, councillors and community members enjoyed a preview of the works of art, followed by a Welcome to Country by Bunurong Land Council's Mark Brown and speeches by Mayor Councillor Steve Holland, MP Paul Mercurio and John Richardson, Director of Development at Art Gallery of New South Wales.
At the opening event Mayor Steve Holland revealed that more than 9,000 people had already booked their tickets to the exhibition. Danny Lacy, Gallery Director anticipates that more than 50,000 people will see the exhibition while it's on display at MPRG.
An icon of the Peninsula coffee and culinary scene, Commonfolk is serving up great coffee, nutritious seasonal tucker and good vibes at MPRG during the exhibition. Eat, drink and caffeinate with local produce, think bagels, toasties, soups, salads and pastries. Attend an afternoon session of Archibald Prize 2023 and unwind at Habitat Bar with a drink from TWOBAYS Brewery, Jetty Road, Jimmy Rum, Bass & Flinders Distillery, Rhino Tiger Bear Winery or Rahona Winery. Dine on falafels, Middle Eastern pizzas and hot chips from the food truck, or enjoy a cheese board courtesy of Boatshed Cheese. Friday nights, Habitat Bar is open until 9pm with live music.
A ticket to the Archibald Prize unlocks discounts and special offers at many local restaurants and tourist attractions across the Mornington Peninsula to inspire visitors from near and far to explore more of what our region has to offer.
The Archibald Prize is showing until 5 November.
Purchase tickets and explore special events at mprg.vic.gov.au
The Archibald Prize 2023 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales exhibition.
Pictures:
- MP Paul Mercurio. Mayor Cr Holland, Crs Marsh, Mar, Dixon and artist Jaq Grantford with her painting of Noni Hazlehurst.
- MPRG Archibald Prize coordinatorsJane German, LachiePetrie and Director Danny Lacy.
- Openingspeech by Mayor Cr Holland.
- Welcome to Country by Bunurong Land Council's Mark Brown.
