SAM Talks: Beyond the Portrait - Meet the Archibald Prize 2026 Finalists

Join us for Beyond the Portrait: Meet the Archibald Finalists, a special two-day program bringing audiences face-to-face with four Victorian artists featured in the Archibald Prize 2026.

Across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, artists Sean Layh, Natasha Bieniek, Juan Ford and Peter Wegner will each present an illustrated lecture exploring their broader artistic practice, their journey to the Archibald Prize, and the ideas, relationships and creative processes behind their finalist work.

Each artist talk will be paired with an informal meet-and-greet in the exhibition space, giving visitors the opportunity to connect directly with the artist alongside their work and continue the conversation in the gallery.

Registration to all illustrated lectures is free. However, attendees wishing to view the Archibald Prize exhibition either before or after the talks/to attend the meet-and-greet will still need to purchase a ticket to enter the exhibition:

https://events.humanitix.com/tickets-archibald-prize-2026

Saturday 17 October

Sean Layh (The tragicall historie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke)
10am–11am — Illustrated Lecture
11.30am–12pm — Gallery Meet & Greet

Natasha Bieniek (Self-portrait)
1pm–1.30pm — Gallery Meet & Greet
2pm–3pm — Illustrated Lecture

Sunday 18 October

Juan Ford (Portrait of Chloé Hayden)
10am–11am — Illustrated Lecture
11.30am–12pm — Gallery Meet & Greet

Peter Wegner (Kindred spirit – Elisabeth Cummings)
1pm–1.30pm — Gallery Meet & Greet
2pm–3pm — Illustrated Lecture