The Art Gallery of New South Wales is thrilled to announce today the winners of the seventh annual Young Archie competition which celebrates the talents of emerging young artists from around the country.

In the spirit of the iconic Archibald Prize, the Young Archie competition invites children and teenagers aged five to 18 to unleash their creativity and submit a portrait of someone who is special to them and plays a significant role in their life.

At a special event for all the 40 finalists and their families, who gathered at the Gallery from across Australia, the 2019 Young Archie competition winners for each age category were announced as:

• 5-8 years category: Matthew Chen, 8, Hornsby, NSW, for a portrait of his father
• 9-12 years category: Callum Macgown, 11, Duffys Forest, NSW, for a portrait of his grandfather
• 13-15 years category: Celeste Hang, 15, Brighton East, VIC, for a portrait of her grandmother
• 16-18 years category: Aysha Huq, 16, Ingleburn, NSW, for a portrait of her grandmother

This year’s Young Archie entries were judged by guest judge Marikit Santiago, a Western Sydney based artist and finalist in the Archibald Prize (2016) and Sulman Prize (2019), supported by Victoria Collings, Art Gallery of NSW community engagement manager.

“The entries this year show a depth of feeling and self-expression among our young people that surprised and delighted me,” Santiago said.

“This is the first year I’ve judged the Young Archie competition and I have been blown away by the creativity and skill of all the winners and finalists. It has been such a rewarding experience for me and I am full of encouragement and excitement for the next generation of Australian artists,” Santiago added.

Part of the family program for the annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition (11 May – 8 September) the Young Archie competition is a much-loved part of the Gallery’s calendar.

Maud Page, Art Gallery of NSW deputy director and director of collections, said the annual Young Archie competition exemplifies the Gallery’s commitment to welcoming families and fostering the creativity of young people.

“It’s wonderful to see children so engaged in their emerging art practice and exploring their creative sides. The Young Archie exhibition is a highlight for visitors and staff alike and it’s fabulous to see the enthusiasm with which everyone engages with the exhibition,” Page said.

The Young Archie competition is proudly supported by presenting partner ANZ. Mark Hand, ANZ Group Executive Australia Retail and Commercial said, “I’d like to congratulate all four winners of the 2019 Young Archie competition. The Young Archie provides a chance to profile our up and coming artists and nurture the next generation of creative talent. ANZ is very proud to continue supporting the arts and creative community in Australia.”

The four winners will each receive a cash prize of $200 from ANZ, an art hamper from S&S Creative, a family pass to a paid exhibition at the Gallery and an Archibald 19 catalogue. Each of the remaining 36 finalists will also receive an art pack from S&S Creative, a cash prize of $50 from ANZ and an Archibald 19 catalogue.

Finalist works are on show at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019 exhibition until 8 September 2019.

Twenty artworks that received an honourable mention are displayed on the Gallery website and at the SH Ervin Gallery in the Rocks alongside the Salon des Refusés.

All 2019 Young Archie finalists and honourable mentions can be viewed on the Gallery’s website.