How do I address the theme in my portrait?
The theme is ‘My story’. You can interpret the theme any way you wish.
How do I choose the subject of my portrait?
A portrait is of a real person or people. Choose someone you would like to represent, and who you think expresses something about Australian identity. You could ask them to do a couple of ‘sittings’ (when someone poses for their portrait while you create the work) or you could work from a photograph.
How do I know which age group I fit into?
Your age as at 1 March 2024 determines your age group.
For example:
- If you turn 12 on 1 March 2024, you will be in the 12-15 years category.
- If you turn 8 on 28 February 2024, you will be in the 8-11 years category.
- If you turn 8 on 2 March 2024, you will still be in the 5-7 years category.
- If you turn 19 on 2 March 2024, you are still eligible to enter the competition in the 16-18 years category.
How many times can I enter?
You can create as many portraits as you wish, but your teacher/carer can only submit one portrait per artist.
Why does the portrait have to be less than 1kg, and 48 x 63 x 1cm (thickness)?
This is to ensure that, in the event a work is selected as a winner, it can be posted, framed and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery.
Can I submit a photographic portrait?
Yes. The National Portrait Gallery has a wonderful collection of photographic portraits. You can see these online on our website for inspiration.
Why do I need to complete a subject consent form?
When you create a portrait of a living person it is important that they give permission to be on display, or if they are under 18 that their parents give permission.
Why are the portraits submitted digitally for judging?
This allows the National Portrait Gallery to receive a large number of artworks and to view them all together in each age category.
The National Portrait Gallery has a number of portraiture competitions. You can look up the Darling Portrait Prize or the National Photographic Portrait Prize. Both these competitions ask artists to submit the portraits digitally in the first instance.
What happens if my portrait is selected as a winner?
The National Portrait Gallery will select 12 winning entries, with this selection made up of entries from each of the age categories. If you are a winner, you and your teacher/carer will be notified and details about posting the original artwork to the Gallery will be provided.
When your winning artwork arrives at the Gallery, our expert staff will prepare and frame your work for exhibition.
Anything else?
If you have further questions please contact bookings@npg.gov.au or call on 02 6102 7070.
Above all, have fun creating your portraits!
