The Art Gallery of New South Wales is pleased to announce leading Australian artist Abdul Abdullah as guest judge for the 2017 Young Archie competition which is part of the family program for the annual Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition (29 July – 22 October 2017).

In the spirit of the iconic Archibald Prize, the Young Archie competition celebrates young Australian talent by inviting budding artists aged five to 18 to paint a portrait of someone who is special to them and plays a significant role in their life.

Abdullah is a Sydney-based artist who works across painting, photography, video, installation and performance. He was a finalist in both the Archibald and Sulman Prizes last year, and was a finalist in the Archibald Prize in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Abdullah takes the reins from 2016 guest judge, artist Del Kathryn Barton, and will join the Art Gallery of NSW’s community engagement manager Victoria Collings in judging portrait entries from across the country on their merit and originality.

“I put all my faith in the next generation, and it’s why I spend so much time working with young people across Australia. It brings me so much joy witnessing young people discover and explore creative practices,” Abdullah said.

I know how important the Archibald Prize was to me growing up, and it’s an honour to be part of that experience for these kids,” Abdullah added.

In 2016 the Young Archie competition received almost 2250 entries from across Australia and entries are expected to increase in 2017. Victoria Collings said the Gallery is delighted to have Abdullah as guest judge this year.

“As an accomplished young artist, Abdul recognises the importance of fostering and inspiring children and teenagers to realise their creative potential,” Collings said.

Entries are now open for the fifth annual Young Archie competition. Entries must be received by 4 June 2017, 5pm. Finalists will be announced on 20 July 2017 and the Young Archie exhibition will be on show at the Art Gallery of NSW from 29 July to 22 October 2017.

Winners for each of the four categories (5-8 years; 9-12 years; 13-15 years and 16-18 years) will be announced on 16 September 2017 and each of the four winners and 16 finalists will receive prizes.

Finalists will receive an art pack and Archibald 17 catalogue and each winner will receive a cash prize of $100 from ANZ, an art hamper, a family pass to a paid exhibition at the Gallery and an Archibald 17 catalogue.