Sarah Blasko is among a number of portraits of local musicians to make the final cut for this year’s Australian art prize, The Archibald.

A portrait of the Sydney songstress has been chosen along with Crowded House front man Neil Finn, INXS drummer Jon Farriss, Skyhooks guitarist Red Symons and composer Peter Sculthorpe.

A portrait of late Australian actor Heath Ledger has also joined the 40 finalists.

While Ledger was mainly known for his film work he had directed a number of music videos for former 1200 Techniques member N’fa.

He had also formed a new music label, Masses Music Co with US singer Ben Harper. Ledger died of an accidental overdose on January 22, 2008.

The winner of this year’s Archibald Prize, which brings with it a cash prize of $50,000, will be announced on Friday 7 March, 2008.

To view all the 40 finalists for this year’s prize, check out the link: http://www.thearchibaldprize.com.au/finalists/archibald.

Tags | Archibald Prize, Ben Harper, Heath Ledger, Sarah Blasko