Costa Georgiadis wins the National Portrait Gallery’s People’s Portrait, National Portrait Gallery

5 March 2025

In 2024, the National Portrait Gallery took the extraordinary step of inviting the Australian public to choose the subject of its next commission. Twenty-five years after the Gallery’s first commission – the iconic Nick Cave by Howard Arkley – and nearly 90 commissions later, the people of Australia were invited to make their voice heard. Who did the public most want to see represented in their National Portrait Gallery?

Costa Georgiadis and Director Bree Pickering at the announcement of The People’s Portrait.

The Gallery shortlisted 25 remarkable Australians, all of whom have made a significant impact on Australian life and culture. From performers, athletes, musicians, comedians, actors, fashion designers, activists and advocates for social change, the votes rolled in for The People’s Portrait.

Costa Georgiadis received the most votes and will be the subject of a major new commission that will be unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery later this year.

Costa Georgiadis – Costa as he is fondly known – is a landscape architect, environmental educator and the much-loved host of the award-winning ABC TV series, Gardening Australia. He grew up in North Bondi with his Greek grandfather’s market garden, which inspired his holistic approach to gardening, sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

Costa’s ‘enthusiasm’, ‘positivity’ and ‘passion’ for the natural environment, and his ‘ability to connect with people of all ages’ were qualities frequently noted by voters. Several commented on his ‘down to earth’ personality, and others his commitment to environmental advocacy. Some suggested his ‘unique look’ and ‘interesting facial features’ would make for a fascinating portrait.

Costa said he was looking forward to working with an artist to create the portrait. ‘Making art is similar to creating a garden, in that it requires research, planning, creativity and lots of time and patience. I’m thrilled to be given this honour, and am humbled that the public voted for me.’

Bree Pickering, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, said the Gallery was delighted with the result. ‘This was a unique opportunity for the public to participate in the commissioning process and it was enthusiastically embraced, with thousands of votes received. Costa is a leading voice in environmental sustainability and has spent his career sharing the joy that is possible with gardening. We’re thrilled that Costa’s story will join the collection.

“We look forward to realising this commission and sharing the process along the way, from announcing the artist to ultimately revealing the work.” Bree said.