The Brisbane Portrait Prize is all about celebrating Brisbane portrait artists and their sitters, while encouraging public engagement with the arts. Any artist with a connection to Brisbane is eligible to enter.
The 2026 Prize consists of two key competitions:
- The Main Prize - Open to all entrants 18 and over
- The Next Gen Prize - Open to entrants 18 and under
Details of the prizes can be found below. If you are looking for more information about entering we recommend you check out the following pages:
If you have any questions about the 2026 prize, drop us a line on info@brisbaneportraitprize.org
Prize Categories
Lord Mayor’s Prize
$50,000
Proudly presented by Brisbane City Council, all entries into the Brisbane Portrait Prize are eligible for the Lord Mayor’s Prize.
Veracity Digital & Photography Prize
$10,000
Supported by Veracity, any photograph or digitally created still work is eligible for the Digital Prize.
Courier-Mail People’s Choice Prize
$7,500
Supported by The Courier-Mail, this prize is chosen by popular vote from all the finalists.
Performing Arts and Music Prize
$7,500
Supported by the Lister Family Foundation, this prize is open to portraits featuring sitters from the performing arts and music industries.
Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists
$7,500
Supported by the Clem Jones Foundation, this prize is open to all individuals who identify as a women.
Packer’s Prize
$5,000
Supported by Howard Smith Wharves, this prize is awarded by the team who receive and hang the finalists exhibition.
Next Gen Prize
$2,000
Supported by Queensland College of Art & Design, Griffith University, all entries into the Next Gen category (18 and under) are eligible for this prize.
Metro Arts Experimental Portraiture Prize
Two week exhibition at Metro Arts + $1000
Supported by Metro Arts, this prize will be awarded to one artist with an experimental practice.
Emerging Artists Prize
$1000 Art Supplies Voucher (2 recipients)
Supported by EY, this award will be given to two emerging artists and will be selected by the Board of the Brisbane Portrait Prize.