Australia’s Favourite Satirical Portrait Prize Comes to Broken Hill

Published on 09 July 2025

The Bald Archy Prize, one of Australia’s most unique and entertaining art prizes, is set to open at Broken Hill City Art Gallery this Friday, 11 July at 6pm.

Known for its irreverent humour, fearless satire, and one-of-a-kind judging panel, the exhibition offers a playful and provocative take on portraiture that has captivated audiences around the country.

Now in its 29th year, the Bald Archy Prize was originally created by the late theatre director and arts advocate Peter Batey OAM in 1994 as part of the Coolac Festival of Fun.

Designed as a humorous counterpoint to the more serious Archibald Prize, the Bald Archy has become an internationally recognised celebration of the Australian larrikin spirit, attracting entries that combine artistic skill with political commentary, pop culture references, and outrageous wit.

Unlike any other art prize, the Bald Archy is judged by a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Professor Maude, who has presided over the prize since its inception.

With a self-awarded online PhD from the Marilyn Monroe University of Little Rock, Maude has become a cult figure in the arts world, selecting winners based purely on their comedic impact.

This year’s first prize of $10,000 has been awarded to Phil Meatchem for his painting Despicable Ploy, a satirical take on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and his proposed nuclear infrastructure plan.

“Presenting the Bald Archy Prize is a delight for the Gallery,” said Kathy Graham, Gallery and Museum Manager. “It’s something entirely different, bold, and irreverent. The exhibition offers our audiences a rare opportunity to encounter contemporary portraiture through humour, satire, and playfulness, all while reflecting on the cultural and political figures that shape our times.”

The exhibition will run at Broken Hill City Art Gallery from 11 July to 10 August 2025, offering visitors the chance to experience one of Australia’s most distinctive art prizes in the historic setting of the Gallery.

Opening Night Event

The opening night event will be held at Broken Hill City Art Gallery on Friday 11 July 2025 at 6:00 pm, with free entry, light refreshments, and bar facilities available – all are welcome.