The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.
Since 2007, the Prize has celebrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary portrait photography from across the nation. From the joyful and playful to the strong, intimate and vulnerable, it has showcased the stories, people and moments that mattered.
The winner of the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 receives a prize of $30,000 cash courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery and $20,000 worth of equipment courtesy of Imaging Partner Canon Australia. The Art Handlers’ Award winner receives $3,000 courtesy of IAS Logistics. The winner of the First Time Finalist Award receives $3,000 courtesy of EIZO.
The exhibition tour is anticipated to be supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
DATES
The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 will be held from 22 August to 11 October 2026 at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra before touring nationally. Slots to host the touring exhibition are available from February 2028.
NUMBER OF WORKS
Approximately 30 works of art.
SIZE
Approximately 70–90 running metres.
SUPPORT
A National Portrait Gallery representative will courier the exhibition to each venue and will provide support with unpacking, condition reporting and installation of the exhibition. In addition, a Portrait Gallery staff member will also be available for the opening of the exhibition. The tour will include introductory wall text and labels. An electronic manual will be provided to the venue with all material required for promotion and advertising, including logos, logo-use and acknowledgment specifications, and promotional images.
FEE
$6000 (GST exclusive). This fee includes all freight and courier costs and is anticipated to be subsidised by support from the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Rose Mackie
Senior Exhibitions Coordinator
E: [email protected]
T: +61 2 6102 7076
