Meet finalists in this year’s Archibald Prize 2026
IF you’re already over the moon about having the Archibald Prize 2026 exhibited right here at SAM, then you’ll be pleased as punch to know that the weekend of October 16 to 18 is jam-packed with engaging artist talks, illustrated lectures and entertainment at SAM’s ever-popular Bar SAM.
Adding to the prestige of the exhibition, which showcases 59 Archibald Prize finalists, including the winning portrait of Illuwanti Ken by Melbourne artist Richard Lewer, four finalist artists will visit SAM across the weekend to present insightful illustrated lectures and gallery meet-and-greets. These special events offer visitors the opportunity to go beyond simply viewing the portraits, providing art lovers with a deeper understanding of each artist’s creative process and the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about their work.
SAM Talk: Beyond the Portrait – Meet the Archibald Prize 2026 Finalists
Saturday, October 17
Sean Layh
Winner of the 2026 Packing Room Prize for The Tragicall Historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke
• 10am to 11am: Illustrated lecture
• 11.30am to 12pm: Gallery meet-and-greet
Natasha Bieniek
Self-portrait
• 1pm to 1.30pm: Gallery meet-and-greet
• 2pm to 3pm: Illustrated lecture
Sunday, October 18
Juan Ford
Portrait of Chloe Hayden
• 10am to 11am: Illustrated lecture
• 11.30am to 12pm: Gallery meet-and-greet
Peter Wegner
Kindred Spirit – Elisabeth Cummings
• 1pm to 1.30pm: Gallery meet-and-greet
• 2pm to 3pm: Illustrated lecture
Tickets:
Weekend pass: $100
Single-day pass: $50
Individual talk: $16
Kicking off a fabulous weekend of world-class art, engaging discussion and rich creative conversation is Bar SAM at Archibald Prize 2026 on Friday, October 16, from 5pm to 8pm.
Guests can enjoy a relaxed evening atmosphere with a complimentary drink on arrival, while additional drinks and bar snacks will be available for purchase.
Tickets: $16 per person (strictly 18+). Includes one drink on arrival.
To book go to https://events.humanitix.com/beyond-the-portrait-meet-the-archibald-finalists
