National Portrait Gallery
From Free – £40
Closing: 6th January ’26
This international portrait painting competition is open to all artists aged 18 and over as of 1st January 2025, limited to one entry per artist. Works must be predominantly painted in oil, tempera, or acrylic on stretcher or board (preferably framed and unglazed), completed within the last two years (after 1 January 2024), based on a sitting or study from life with the human figure predominating. Self-portraits and group portraits are permitted.
The first round of judging is digital; selected artists will then need to deliver physical works to a London judging venue (29 January – 4 February 2026). Prizes include: First Prize £35,000, Second Prize £12,000, Third Prize £10,000, Young Artist Award £9,000 (for artists aged 30 or under as of 1 January 2025), and the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Artist Commission £14,000 (announced in 2027 for artists exhibiting in 2026 and 2027). The exhibition runs at the National Portrait Gallery from 25 June to 7 October 2026, with an Awards Ceremony on 23 June 2026.
Free to enter for artists receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit; 50% discount for artists receiving Disability Benefits, students, or those aged 18-25.