Archibald Event 2026

Join us on Gadigal lands of the Eora Nation for a special event held in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW.

This event will include a guided tour of the Archibald exhibition in small groups led by Art Gallery of NSW volunteers and staff. During the tour, you will be able to view the work of Archibald finalist Meagan Pelham, a professional artist supported by Studio A who is a member of the Down Syndrome NSW community.

Following the tour, you are invited to enjoy afternoon tea, where you will have the chance to meet the Archibald Prize finalist Mathew Calandra will lead a demonstration workshop. Mathew's 2025 Archibald finalist portrait, His face like my face – self-portrait as Robert Englund playing Freddy Krueger, which is currently on show at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, showcases his unique artistic style and perspective.

Mathew Calandra is known for his unmistakable linear style - sharp, sinuous, awkward, and dynamic - often likened to Egon Schiele. Working in etching, drawing, gouache, and ink, he transforms everyday subjects into images of mystical beauty, drawing on influences from fables, horror films, and folklore. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at Galerie Atelier Herenplaats (Rotterdam), Cement Fondu, and Grace Cossington Smith Gallery. In 2021, his triptych Stations of the Cross was selected for the Sulman Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW and in 2025 he was named a finalist in the Archibald Prize. His residencies include Cicada Press and Red Room Poetry, with works held in Artbank and AGNSW collections.

Mathew works with Studio A, a Sydney-based leading supported studio for artists with intellectual disability.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Art Gallery of NSW for their valued partnership and support in delivering this event.

Event details

📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
⏰ 1:30pm to 4:30pm (AEST)
📍 Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, Sydney NSW 2000
🏛️ Venue: Naala Nura building - Ground level, Function Space

Important Arrival Information:

The event will officially commence at 1:30 PM. Registrations open from 12:30 PM to allow enough time for registration and preparation.

Upon arrival, participants will need to register and will be allocated a group number before the tours begins.

Transport

🚌 Bus 441 departs from the York Street side of the Queen Victoria Building (Stand D) and stops near the Art Gallery. It returns to the Queen Victoria Building, picking up outside the Gallery.

🚉 Train access is available via St James and Martin Place stations, both around a 10-minute walk.

🅿️ Metered parking is available on Mrs Macquaries Road and surrounding streets.

🚗 There are several parking stations near the Art Gallery. The closest are the Domain Car Park and The Wharf, Woolloomooloo Car Park, both of which can be booked in advance online. Note changes to access from the Domain Car Park: The lift closest to the Art Gallery is not operational as it is being replaced by Wilson Parking There are stairs, and the car park’s south lift remains operational.

Accessibility Information

Due to one of the lifts at the Domain Car Park currently being out of service, families may wish to drop guests off at the Gallery entrance via the driveway before the driver parks in the Domain Car Park or finds nearby metered street parking.

If you have any access requirements or need assistance with arrival arrangements, please send through your request to Regiane.Silva@downsyndromensw.org.au and an Art Gallery representative will be happy to discuss options to help ensure everyone can arrive comfortably.

Note: Registration is essential.

Become a member

Membership is free. You can sign up via the Down Syndrome NSW website.
Members have access to exclusive events throughout the year, as well as discounts to conferences, workshops and training, plus other benefits.

We look forward to seeing you there!