More than 76,000 people have visited Geelong’s Archibald Prize exhibition over the past eight weeks, up on 58,000 last year.
Geelong Gallery director Jason Smith credited the increase to the exhibition beginning earlier to include school holidays, the AFL Grand Final holiday and White Night.
“An extra two weeks of display has (also) seen the crowds swell to these exceptional numbers,” he said.
About 2000 students attended the exhibition through the gallery’s school program, Mr Smith said.
Family art charity Gandel Philanthropy also ran programs that “increased engagement” with the aged care and disability sectors during the exhibition, he said.
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood was delighted with the response to the exhibition.
“The Archibald Prize has again proven to be a huge success, with many people who wouldn’t normally visit the Gallery coming along,” Cr Harwood said.
“Congratulations to the Gallery and all staff for providing a wonderful experience.
“Given the increased attendances in 2018, we look forward to seeing the economic impact data in the coming weeks.”
Anne Middleton’s portrait of Geelong-raised actor Guy Pearce won the exhibit’s people’s choice award, the gallery announced on Wednesday.
Fourteen per cent of 19,600 voters chose the portrait as their favourite, while Kathrin Longhurst’s self-portrait came second with 11 per cent of the vote.
The Archibald Prize 2018 now travels to Tamworth Regional Gallery as part of its regional New South Wales tour.
