The project, which complements the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s presentation of the Archibald Prize, will see students from all over Victoria submit portraits of people they admire.

The portraits will then be showcased around Ballarat, with shopfronts and businesses encouraged to get on board and display the works of art.

Young Archies co-ordinator and Art Gallery of Ballarat team member Kiri Smart said more than 4,000 students had already signed up to take part in the project.

She said she hoped more businesses would get involved and help support the Young Archies.

“More than 100 businesses have already offered to display the children’s artworks in their windows but we need more businesses to get on board,” she said.

The Young Archies project is supported by ANZ Bank and Gandel Philanthopy and is designed to educate and encourage local children about portraiture, to extend the impact of the Archibald Prize across the city and celebrate Ballarat’s vibrant and supportive community.

Ms Smart, who is working alongside the Ballarat Society of Artists, said she hoped to create somewhat of an arts trail, with portraits displayed all the way from Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital down to the Bridge Mall and back to the Ballarat Train Station.

Young Archies entries will be vying for a swag of prizes supplied by ANZ Bank and local organisations Central Square, Radmac Office Supplies and the Ballarat Society of Artists. 

The Archibald Prize will be held from October 2 and is expected to attract more than 45,000 visitors to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The Young Archies artworks will be installed in shop windows one week prior to the opening of the exhibition. 

Business wanting to be a part of the project can call Kiri Smart on 5320 5858 or email artgal@ballarat.vic.gov.au before Monday August 10.