James Brennan’s depiction of Nathan Cleary was a finalist in the 2025 Bald Archy, which returns to Corowa Art Space next month.
The notoriously hilarious and irreverent Bald Archy Prize is making its much-anticipated return to Corowa, promising a month of sharp wit, fearless satire, and spectacular talent.
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The Bald Archy Prize was started by the late Peter Batey OAM in a corrugated iron shed at Coolac in 1994 as a send-up of the prestigious portraiture award, the Archibald Prize.
Celebrating the lighter side of art and the larrikin Australian spirit, the prize calls for paintings that embrace wit, slapstick, vulgarity, farce, black comedy, irreverence, and everything in between.
Through this comedic lens, the exhibition pokes fun at Australians distinguished in art, letters, politics, sport, or the media.
In its landmark 30th year, the touring exhibition will feature the $10,000 2026 winning artwork, Emperor Australis by artist Mark Davis.
A clever parody of Jacques-Louis David's iconic Napoleon Crossing the Alps, the winning painting depicts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a hilarious pose, swapping a stallion for a kangaroo to conquer the Australian landscape.
The gallery walls will also be dominated by other familiar faces, including multiple satirical depictions of Bob Katter, Pauline Hanson, and Barnaby Joyce.
Corowa has an extra reason to celebrate this year, with local artist Michael Mack returning to the national stage as a finalist.
His inclusion highlights the incredible creative talent right here in our community.
“As an artist, the Bald Archy allows me to indulge myself in humour and stupidity,” Mack said.
“The fact that other artists do the same brings me even more pleasure; the Bald Archy is iconic Australian culture, to take the mickey and as someone not born in this country, I embrace this opportunity.
“This is art for enjoyment, so do yourself a favour and visit the exhibition and have a good laugh; the Bald Archy is an opportunity for pure stupidity.”
Ray Gun and Peter Dutton featured heavily among the 2025 finalists, including this piece, ‘Spud Gun’ by Marty Steel, which depicted both.
Bringing a month-long national exhibition to life requires a massive amount of behind-the-scenes energy so the call is out for enthusiastic locals to join the dedicated team of 30 volunteers who keep the show going.
Whether you are an art lover or just enjoy a great laugh, volunteering is a fantastic way to support the arts and experience the magic of the Bald Archy from behind the scenes.
At just $5 for adults and half the price of other nearby tour stops, Corowa boasts the most affordable entry fee in the region.
With free entry for children under 18, it is the perfect value-for-money destination for travelling visitors and locals alike to enjoy a laugh.
Group bookings are welcome.
For further enquiries about the Bald Archy Prize’s tour to Corowa, or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact communityevents@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6033 8936.
Want to go?
Where: Corowa Arts Space, Corowa Civic Centre, 100 Edward Street, Corowa NSW
When: September 12 - October 11, 2026
Times: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, Weekends 10am – 2pm, excludes NSW public holidays
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