A 16-year-old artist from North Narrabeen has taken the top award in her age group at the Young Archie 2025 portrait competition, one of Australia’s most recognised youth art prizes, held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
A Room That Tells a Story
The Young Archie 2025 winners were announced on 5 July, with 70 finalists chosen from more than 3,200 entries across Australia. North Narrabeen’s Jasmine Rose Lancaster Merton took the top prize in the 16–18 category for her self-portrait titled My name is Jazz.
Rather than a simple likeness, the piece is set in her bedroom and filled with photos, keepsakes and personal details. Jasmine said the portrait reflects her strength and the moments that shaped her.
She believes the spaces we live in often reveal just as much about us as our faces do. Finalist works, including Jasmine’s, are on show at the Art Gallery of NSW’s Naala Badu building until 17 August.
A Closer Look at the Young Archie
The competition runs each year alongside the prestigious Archibald Prize, giving young people across the country the chance to explore portraiture and tell personal stories through art. The competition is open to artists aged 5 to 18 and has been running since 2013.
Winners and finalists are selected by a panel that includes practising artists and staff from the Art Gallery of NSW. This year, guest judge Jumaadi and AGNSW family programs manager Victoria Collings reviewed thousands of entries. Each portrait had to depict someone personally important to the artist, whether a family member, friend, or themselves.
Local Pride in National Spotlight
Jasmine’s win has sparked local pride in North Narrabeen, where she lives and studies. Her achievement highlights the depth of talent in Sydney’s northern beaches and shows how young people can express their voice and identity through creative work.
Her portrait, along with other finalists, is on public display free of charge. Gallery visitors can see the Young Archie exhibition as part of the broader Archibald Prize showings at the Art Gallery of NSW.
Supporting Young Artists
Winners in each age group received $200 in prize money, along with art materials and exhibition passes. Finalists were also recognised with smaller prizes and their artworks featured in the gallery’s Naala Nura space.
The Young Archie is supported by ANZ, which has been a sponsor since the competition began. Organisers hope it continues to support young artists and give them a national platform to grow their confidence and skills.
Published 11-July-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School/Facebook
