The Brisbane Portrait Prize returns in 2026, inviting artists with a connection to Brisbane to submit original two-dimensional portraits for one of Queensland’s most significant art awards.
Established to celebrate portraiture and storytelling, the prize encourages artists at all stages of their careers to explore contemporary portraiture while connecting audiences with the people and stories that shape Brisbane.
The competition is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as non-citizens who have been physically present in Australia for the 12 months prior to entry. Both the artist and sitter must have a connection to Brisbane, and all entrants must have completed at least one in-person sitting with their subject.
Artists aged 18 and over can enter the Main Prize for a non-refundable fee of $65, while the Next Gen Prize for artists aged 18 and under costs $25 per entry.
The 2026 Lord Mayor’s Prize, presented by Brisbane City Council, offers a major acquisitive award of $50,000. Additional prizes include the Veracity Digital & Photography Prize ($10,000), Courier-Mail People’s Choice Prize ($7,500), Performing Arts and Music Prize ($7,500), Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists ($7,500), Packer’s Prize ($5,000), Metro Arts Experimental Portraiture Prize, and Emerging Artists Prizes.
All artworks must be original, two-dimensional, and completed within the past three years. Digital works and AI-assisted artworks are eligible, provided artists declare how artificial intelligence was used and comply with all other conditions.
Finalists will be announced on 5 September 2026, with the exhibition opening to the public on 19 September and continuing until 8 November 2026.
- Entries Open: January 2026
- Artists Launch + Judges’ Announcement: 22 February 2026
- Entries Close: 1 July 2026, 6:00pm
- Finalists Notified: 15 July 2026
- Finalists Announced: 5 September 2026
- Opening Night + Winners Announced: 18 September 2026
- Exhibition Open to the Public: 19 September – 8 November 2026
Image : Gus Eagleton, In the Studio with Fintan Magee, acrylic and aerosol on canvas, 78 x 104 cm. Sitter: Fintan Magee.
