Although the renowned prize’s finalists are yet to be announced, preparations are well underway to ensure Ballarat is at its best when the event comes to town in October and November.

Archibald Prize co-ordinator Jennifer Ganske said current preparations were infrastructure based and focused on how to best showcase Ballarat.

“We are designing the educational component and developing our community engagements as well as preparing the city on how best to maximise this opportunity,” she said.

“We have partnered with V/Line to make sure the metro traffic has a quick and easy way to get to the gallery and we’re planning hop-on hop-off buses that will offer opportunities for people to travel with V/Line and be mobilised through town.

“We are also designing a calendar of events around the Archibald including music, food and wine and other opportunities for people to explore Ballarat while they’re here. We want to showcase Ballarat and showcase what the city is able to do.”

One of the largest portraiture prizes in Australia, the Archibald will be exhibited in New South Wales at the end of July before making its regional tour around Australia, with Ballarat the only regional stop outside of New South Wales.

With up to 1000 people expected to come through the gallery each day for the prize, Ganske said many decisions, including entry points, disability access, and overall layouts, could not be made until the prize finalists were announced next week.

“We don’t know the size of the paintings or who the finalists are. When that is announced then the gallery can do the actual layout,” she said.

“The gallery can accommodate (up to 1000 people a day) but it’s making sure it’s presented in the best light. We want to include opportunities for visitor information points in the opening space, and ensure the line-up is comfortable for people.”

The Archibald Prize finalists will be announced on Thursday, July 9 with the prize itself running between October 3 and November 15.