One group of cruise passengers who got an early lowdown on the NSW Art Gallery’s famed Archibald portrait prize this year was from Regent Seven Seas.

Thanks to a new sponsorship of the event, the cruise line’s VIP passengers were invited to a preview night a week before the announcement of the winner – Blak Douglas’ portrait of artist Karla Dickens – the first time a portrait of an Aboriginal woman has been awarded the prize.

He is the second Aboriginal artist to win the Archibald, following Vincent Namatjira’s landmark win in 2020.

Regent Seven Seas is a sponsor of the gallery’s society, which saw more than 500 members view the portraits first, and then party on with champagne, live music.

This year saw a record  816 entries.

Archibald winning entry

Regent Seven Seas has one of the largest art collections at sea, thanks to its holding company president Frank Del Rio, a keen art collector and enthusiast. Picassos and Chagalls adorn the walls of its fleet’s biggest suites.

The line has an exclusive multi-year partnership with The Australian Ballet, another significant commitment to supporting the Australian arts.

“We look forward to sharing the mystery and magic of ballet with our loyal guests through a range of exclusive events and experiences and introducing Regent’s all-inclusive and unrivalled luxury ships– including voyages visiting destinations renowned for iconic ballet performances – to patrons of The Australian Ballet,” Steve Odell, Senior Vice President & Managing Director Asia Pacific said.

He told Cruise Passenger why the line was now putting investments into local artistic events like the Archibald and the ballet.

Why Regent is supporting the Art Gallery Society of New South Wales ?

As an organisation, we are committed to supporting and celebrating diverse art and talent, and sharing immersive cultural opportunities with our guests and trade partners. This new partnership reflects both organisations’ promise to providing stimulating art experiences that enrich the arts community and the lives of individuals engaging with the work of artists.

Then wider support for the arts

Our aim and desire is to provide our  discerning travellers with unrivalled experiences, including in the areas of art, music, dance, theatre and cultural enrichment, both on board The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet and in more than 450 enthralling ports around the globe. From meticulously curated onboard art collections and immersive lectures from art historians during days at sea, to exploring galleries the world over on shore, Regent guests continue to demonstrate their appreciation of a wide range of artistic pursuits, and we look forward to sharing the Regent Experience with members of the Art Gallery Society of NSW.

What’s on board the ships

On board all of Regent’s ships guests are spoilt by a veritable treasure trove of artistic delights, making each ship a floating gallery. Original works from the likes of Picasso and Chagall, thought-provoking pieces from new and upcoming artists and breathtaking installations, such as Seven Seas Explorer’s Tibetan prayer wheel. We also invested $7 million into its breathtaking 300-piece art collection for the cruise line’s most recent vessel – Seven Seas Splendor, which debuted in February 2020. The collection was sourced from artists and galleries around the world and took nearly two years to curate and commission. Highlights include iconic pieces by Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró’s works on display in Prime 7 restaurant.

Concert aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner
Splendor Picasso
A Picasso aboard Regent Seven Seas Splendor

 Regent shore excursions around the world can provide the ultimate art tour 

The beauty of cruising is that you unpack just once, while enjoying the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a spectacular array of culturally diverse destinations around the world. Not only that, but guests can visit prestigious art galleries and museums during their voyage. Explore stunning pieces of art housed within the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation in Barcelona, spend a glorious day in Sete, France, where Van Gogh found so much inspiration, and in Livorno, Italy’s most renowned gallery – The Uffizi – displays masterpieces by the titans of Renaissance art including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. Many of these culturally rich experiences can be enjoyed as one of dozens of included shore excursions available in each port when guests sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

See more at: rssc.com