The Archibald Prize toured Tamworth earlier in 2019, but is now heading down the highway and will likely grab the attention of the Upper Hunter art sector, especially following the recent success of local artists such as David Darcy, who won the 2019 Archibald Prize People's Choice Award.

From January 26 to March 8, it will tour Muswellbrook and is now being launched by the Young Archie competition.

Budding artists aged 5 to 18 from the Upper Hunter, Singleton and Muswellbrook local government areas are encouraged to submit entries by December 13 in order to be in the running for an award that could kick-start a career.

Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre acting director Elissa Emerson said it was an excellent chance for those seeking attention from the industry's finest.

"It's a really good opportunity for the youth of the local area to be exhibited alongside nationally recognised artists," she said.

The centre is hoping to see young people creating portraits of people, and Ms Emerson added more information could be found on their website.

It will be split into four different age groups of 5-to-8, 9-to-12, 13-to-15 and finally 16-to-18-year-olds.

In regards to having the chance to be part of the aforementioned tour, Ms Emerson said she believes it could generate interest from new members of the community.

"We would hope to see new audiences because the Archibald Prize is arguably the most notable art prize in Australia, and it has a bit of celebrity status in its own right," she stated.