Frequently Asked Questions
I made the work with another artist. Can we submit together?
Yes. The details of each artist will need to be provided when submitting the entry through the online entry portal.
What is the definition of ‘Australian or permanent resident’?
‘Australian’ means an Australian citizen.
A ‘permanent resident’ is someone who holds a current permanent residency visa. Other visa holders are not eligible to enter.
Does my entry need to be a photograph taken in Australia?
No.
What is meant by the portrait must be taken ‘from life’?
The NPG recognises that the definition of ‘portraiture’ can be broad. The image should feature a living person or group, unless there is a cultural reason not to photograph a living person. Your portrait should represent a living person’s identity.
You can submit a photograph taken via video communication technology i.e. Zoom.
What if I didn’t get the consent of my subject or only received verbal permission to take the portrait? What are my responsibilities to track down the subject of the photograph?
All entrants should complete a Subject Consent Form for each subject (and all Finalists will be asked to provide this). If it was not reasonably practicable for you to obtain written consent of your subjects, you will need to explain why on the entry form. Read the Terms and Conditions for the consent requirements.
What if I want to change one of my submitted photographs?
The online entry portal allows you to manage your entries by uploading a new image to replace an existing entry up to the closing time for submissions. However, the NPG will not permit any refunds to entrants who decide they want to delete a paid entry that will not be replaced by another image.
Will my work be returned to me after the exhibition?
You arrange for the return of your work. Information is included in the Terms and Conditions.
Can I use editing software, such as Photoshop, to alter my photograph?
Yes.
Can I enter more than one photograph as part of a single entry?
Yes. Your work may consist of multiple images as part of one entry, however, if selected as a finalist these images must be printed and framed as one work within the maximum frame requirements (no larger than 140 x 140cm). For example, this could be presented as a diptych, a triptych, or it could feature multiple small portraits framed as one work. If entering multiple images as one entry, please ensure your uploaded jpeg file reflects how the images will be exhibited (i.e. how they would appear when framed on the gallery wall).
How are the entries judged?
For the first round of judging, a panel of judges will select the Finalists by judging all entries digitally. The judges will select the prize winners by seeing the framed works at the NPG. The winning portrait will be announced publicly the day before the exhibition opens.
At all stages, the decision of the judges is final and no discussion will be entered into.
What happens if the NPG or a travelling venue is forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
The NPG will follow all government guidelines regarding COVID-19. Travelling exhibition venues will make their own decisions regarding how to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19, although the NPG will work with venues where appropriate. This may mean that the NPG or its travelling exhibition partners are unable to display the NPPP21 exhibition for the scheduled dates.
