The Upwey Archies
The Upwey Archies
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Inspired by the Archibald Prize, the Upwey Archies is an annual community portrait event organised by Upwey Community Group, in partnership with Burrinja Cultural Centre and funded through Yarra Ranges Council.
The Archies is a sensational opportunity for artists and aspiring artists of all ages and artistic abilities to create an original artwork featuring a local person who feels significant to them or the Hills community.
Judging is done by an art expert, often the winner of the previous Archies, and prizes are officially presented at a special award celebration. There are awards in both Open and Youth (14 years and under) categories - 1st prize, Highly Commended, Packing Room (favourite chosen by UCG volunteers and Burrinja staff) and Heart (heartfelt appeal/ encouragement) plus a Community Favourite Award.
After the judging, the portraits are displayed in the Main Street shops for 3 weeks, bringing colour and buzz to the town centre. Seeing the portraits displayed instills a huge amount of community pride and everyone gets caught up in the excitement of the event as they try to decide which portraits will be their choice for the Community Favourite Awards.
Now in its 9th year, The Archies, has become an Upwey icon, bringing our community together to celebrate the arts and highlight the people that make The Hills a special place.
Upwey Archies 2026 promotional poster
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Upwey Archies 2026
Upwey Archies 2026
It's Archies time! We are once again inviting the community to get creative and participate in the Upwey Archies 2026 portrait competition.
It's Archies time! We are once again inviting the community to get creative and participate in the Upwey Archies 2026 portrait competition.
Artists of all ages and all artistic talent levels are invited to be a part of this iconic annual event. Portrait subject should be someone who is significant to you or the Hills community. Remember to seek permission to portray them! All artistic mediums suitable for canvas use are accepted ( strictly no photography/digital/AI allowed). Open and Youth award categories.
Artists of all ages and all artistic talent levels are invited to be a part of this iconic annual event. Portrait subject should be someone who is significant to you or the Hills community. Remember to seek permission to portray them! All artistic mediums suitable for canvas use are accepted ( strictly no photography/digital/AI allowed). Open and Youth award categories.
Entry fee: $15 adults $10 child 14 years and under - art board included.
Upwey Archies 2026 important dates
Upwey Archies 2026 important dates
Wed August 5 - Sun August 23: Collect your canvas art board from Burrinja Cultural Centre, 351 Glenfern Rd Upwey. COMPLETED- ALL BOARDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED
Sun October 4: Due date for submission of completed portraits COMPLETED
Thurs October 15 - Fri November 6: Artworks on display in Upwey Main Street shops. Voting or the Community Favourite awards (until Nov 5) COMPLETED
Thurs November 12: Award presentation 6pm at Burrinja Cutural Centre cnr Matson Drv & Glenfern Rd Upwey ALL WELCOME
Thurs November 12 - Sun November 22: Artworks exhibited at Burrinja
VOTE FOR THE COMMUNITY FAVOURITE AWARDS
Scan the QR code to go to the voting form. Enter the portrait number (displayed beside the title on the card attached to each portrait) and hit Submit.
VOTING CLOSED
Upwey Archies 2025 Recap.
Upwey Archies 2025 Recap.
It was an event that excited the whole community. 130+ entries from first time painters to pros. An Upwey street exhibition with a buzz. An inspiringly and succesful award ceremony followed by an extra exhibition at Burrinja.
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