The 52 portraits which make up the Archibald Prize 2021 exhibition have arrived at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale ahead of Friday’s much-anticipated opening.

Promotional banners went up across Sale last week and Gippsland Art Gallery staff are busy unpacking and hanging the portraits in readiness to go on display to the public.

The Archibald Prize will run from Friday 8 October until Sunday 21 November and with Melbourne still locked down, locals are encouraged to get their tickets early to enjoy the exhibition first without the crowds.

Also kicking off on Friday to coincide with the Archibald Prize is a range of other experiences to entice visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant arts and culture precinct of the Port of Sale.

This includes the Art Bar, a pop-up space to enjoy food and drinks, which will be open on the port side of the precinct during the exhibition. While the Art Bar will open to the public throughout the day, it will especially come alive on Friday nights from 6-10pm for Friday Up Late.

Friday Up Late will give audiences the opportunity to combine a late showing of the Archibald Prize while dining and sampling local beer and wine.

Other opportunities to expand visitors’ experience at the Archibald Prize include guided tours, classes and workshops, which can all be booked when buying a ticket, or separately. The free Young Archie exhibition on Level 2 will also continue to showcase talented young local artists.

Tickets to the Archibald Prize 2021 in Gippsland are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $11 for concession (card holders and students) and $9 for children (aged 5 to 17 years).

Visit archibaldprizegippsland.com.au to book tickets and see the calendar of events happening throughout the exhibition.

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Gippsland Art Gallery Technician Lindsay Roberts and Curatorial Assistant Louisa Waters are pictured hanging Jeremy Eden’s portrait of actor Firass Dirani, titled Firass.