Upwey Archies 2026

Celebrating the unique characters of the Dandenong Ranges

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 that feels significant to them or the Hills community. All artistic mediums suitable for canvas use are accepted with the exception of photography, digital works or AI generated works which are ineligible for inclusion.

A judging panel awards winners in a range of categories prior to the exhibition and prizes are officially presented at a special award celebration at Burrinja. This panel is made up of an art expert or professional artist, a member of the Upwey Community Group and often the winner of the previous Archies Open Section. There are awards in both Open and Youth (14 years and under) categories.

These awards are:
1^st prize, Highly Commended, Packing Room (favourite chosen by UCG volunteers and Burrinja staff) and Heart (heartfelt appeal/ encouragement). There is also a 'Community Favourite Award’ with members of the community encouraged to vote for their favourite portrait. 

Following the judging, the portraits are displayed in the Main Street shops for 3 weeks, bringing colour and buzz to the town centre. Seeing the paintings displayed brings a huge sense of pride to the whole community and everyone gets caught up in the excitement of the event as they try to decide which portrait will be their choice for the Community Favourite Award.

The Exhibition

The artworks will then make their way to Burrinja for a special exhibition from 12 November to 22 November, so artists of all ages can see their work displayed in a professional gallery setting and the talent of local artists can reach a wider audience. 

Now in its ninth year The Archies has become an Upwey icon, bringing our community together to celebrate the arts and highlight the people that make The Hills special. 

We hope you will join us.