The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intending to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.
Photography is the dominant portrait medium of our time. The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an important aspect of the Gallery’s exhibition program, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia’s aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects. The National Portrait Gallery is offering a prize of $30,000 for the most outstanding photographic portrait. The exhibition tour is normally 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 exhibition will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra from June to October 2024. The National Portrait Gallery intends to tour the exhibition to four or five venues.
Number of works
Approximately 40-50 framed photographs.
Size
Approximately 80–90 running metres.
Exhibition catalogue
A 50–60 page full colour exhibition catalogue will be produced in association with the exhibition. The catalogue will include an introductory essay by one of the National Portrait Gallery’s Curators (and judge for the Prize). Colour reproductions and artists statements from all of the finalists will be included.
Tour manual
An electronic tour manual will be provided to the host venue with all material required for promotion and advertising, such as all logos, logo-use and acknowledgement specifications, promotional images, an invitation DL design, an exhibition checklist and captions, and more.
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, this person or another Portrait Gallery staff member will also be available for the opening of the exhibition and to deliver a public program.
Signage/wall labels
The tour will include physical introductory signage, wall text and labels. A vinyl wall graphic design can also be supplied if desired.
Fee
$6,000 (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.
Judging
A National call for entries will be open from October 2023 to January 2024. Judging will take place in February 2024. Images As the judging for the 2024 Prize has not yet taken place, to view all of the previous finalists visit portrait.gov.au/exhibitions/nppp
