Annabelle Choo (age 6), Japanese Annabelle, Young Archies 2026 finalist, 5-8 year olds Tayler McLeod, Uncle Lloyd and Indy, Young Archies 2026 finalist, 16-18 year olds

SAM Young Archie 2026 invites young artists across the region to take centre stage

Young artists across the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions are invited to create portraits celebrating the people who inspire them, as part of SAM’s Archibald Prize 2026 celebrations.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is calling on schools across the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions to inspire their young creatives and take part in the SAM Young Archie 2026 competition.

Held at SAM from 5 September to 1 November 2026 alongside the regional presentation of the Archibald Prize 2026 exhibition from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Young Archie offers students the opportunity to become part of one of Australia’s most celebrated portraiture events.

SAM Young Archie 2026 Key dates

• Entries must be received by 5 August 2026, 4pm
• Finalists will be displayed 5 September – 1 November 2026 in the SAM Children’s Gallery;
all submissions will be displayed digitally on screens across the SAM Facility
• Finalists will be notified 7 August 2026, and winners will be announced on 14 October 2026
• Winners announced: TBC

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

 

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Now in its 14th year, the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ annual Young Archie competition celebrates the creativity and imagination of young artists, running alongside the iconic Archibald Prize — Australia’s oldest and most recognised portrait prize.

The SAM edition of Young Archie 2026 invites students aged 5 to 18 years to create a portrait of someone meaningful in their lives. Whether capturing a family member, friend, community figure or someone who inspires them, young artists are encouraged to share their unique perspective through portraiture.

From the submissions received, SAM will select 26 finalist artworks to be exhibited in the Ryan Family Children’s Gallery from 5 September to 1 November 2026, providing emerging artists with the opportunity to have their work celebrated alongside the Archibald Prize as it tours to the region.

All submitted artworks will also be digitally showcased throughout the SAM building during the exhibition period, ensuring every young artist’s creativity has a moment to shine.

SAM Head of Engagement Gabriella Calandro said hosting the Archibald Prize 2026 was a landmark moment for the region and an exciting opportunity for local students to be part of the experience.

“Hosting the Archibald Prize 2026 is significant for our community, and we’re thrilled to be presenting an opportunity to local students to be a part of this celebrated event. The Archibald Prize is beloved across the nation and will be a huge drawcard for our region; we hope schools and students are excited by this chance to contribute their own portraits and have their talent recognised by the thousands of visitors who will be travelling to Shepparton during the exhibition’s run.”

Four finalists will be selected as SAM Young Archie 2026 winners, with awards presented across primary and secondary school-aged categories. Winners will receive a gift pack from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Schools throughout the Goulburn Valley and Hume regions are invited to coordinate student entries and submit artworks to SAM by 4pm, Wednesday 5 August 2026.

Archibald Prize 2026 is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition.

To find out more about SAM Young Archie 2026, visit the SAM website here or contact the SAM Education team at education@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.