Celebrating Art and Community - Highlights from our 2025 Archibald Prize Private Viewing

The Moriah Foundation was thrilled to host our annual private viewing of Australia’s most popular and eagerly awaited art event – the 2025 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes.

With record attendance, our Foundation Members, Foundation Circle Members and Grandparents Club came together at the magnificent NSW Art Gallery – a highlight in our Foundation calendar.

This year was particularly special as our keynote speaker, the highly distinguished and talented Maud Page, was recently appointed as the tenth Director of the Art Gallery.

In welcoming our guests, Foundation President, Judy Lowy said, “It is hard to believe that as we gather here tonight, we still have 58 hostages languishing in the tunnels of Gaza. It goes without saying that our hearts and minds continue with be with all of Israel as they endure this protracted and existential war.”

Rabbi Gad Krebs shared thoughts on the blessing of creativity, “A blessing that recognises the brilliance of those who created the artworks, as well as the divine spark, the holiness, that resides within each of them.”

In introducing Maud, Judy expressed her appreciation for the warm friendship that Maud has demonstrated at a time when the Jewish community, who have always loved and supported the arts, have been feeling abandoned and often targeted by the arts community.

Maud shared fascinating insights into the selection of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes including:

– Trustees viewed 2,394 artwork entries.

– A total of 139 finalists were selected – 67 works by men and 72 by women.

– Over 60% of the Wynne and Sulman prize finalists were first-time entrants.

– The 2025 Archibald Prize winning artist is Julie Fragar for her portrait of fellow artist Justene Williams, titled Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene), marking her first win after being a four-time finalist.

Discussing the Young Archies, Maud said, “The children are the future and one of my focus areas is to make sure that families feel welcome and engaged. My directorship will focus on that and how we bring in diversity through community.”

Maud drew the audience’s attention to the evocations and significance of many of the artworks on display, including humour. “Humour is one of those very needed human emotions that help people deal with difficult things.”

We are so grateful to Maud for taking time out of her busy schedule to address us this year, as she has done in both 2023 and 2024.