Entertainment
31 October, 2025
ARTchies portrait prize unveiled tonight
CAIRNS’ own take on Australia’s famous Archibald Prize returns next month, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists at the Artists@Work Gallery in the heart of the city.
The Cairns ARTchies Portrait Prize 2025 will run from November 1 to 30, open daily from 10am to 4pm at 51 Lake Street. The exhibition, now in its second year, offers a distinctly local spin on one of Australia’s most prestigious portrait competitions.
Opening night will be held on Friday 31 October from 5pm to 8pm, where prize winners will be announced and awards presented. Guests can enjoy drinks and nibbles while mingling with the artists and fellow art lovers.
Local artist Mark Willems, one of the volunteers behind the artist-run gallery, said the ARTchies was a labour of love for the local art community.
“It’s just our little take on the Archibald Prize and a way of doing something for Cairns,” Mr Willems said. “There are some very, very good artists in this city.”
The Artists@Work Gallery is a non-profit cooperative run by members of the Cairns Art Society. The ARTchies competition is open to any Cairns-based artist, with entries across a range of mediums including oil, acrylic, digital art, printmaking and drawing.
Mr Willems, who recently won best in show at the Cairns Pride Exhibition at the Tanks Arts Centre, said he was proud to see the region’s arts scene continuing to grow.
“There’s a real variety of talent here, artists of all ages, styles and backgrounds,” he said.
Mr Willems award-winning portrait is currently on display at The Tanks Arts Centre until the end of October.
The Cairns ARTchies Portrait Prize runs from November 1-30 at Artists@Work Gallery, 51 Lake Street, Cairns. For more information, visit the gallery in person.
