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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026

The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 marks the end of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions.

Andy Griffiths – Art. Make. Create

Join best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths to celebrate the launch of his new portrait by artist Ronnie van Hout. Be prepared to laugh your head off with Andy’s interactive session and explore his portrait through playful talks and family tours.

Andy Griffiths portrait coming soon

Once upon a time, in a not-so-faraway land, there was a Gallery that decided to commission a portrait of Andy Griffiths!

National Photographic Portrait Prize

To celebrate the remarkable photography and thank the community of artists, supporters and visitors who have cherished this prize over the years, the Gallery has curated a retrospective alongside the 2026 finalists' exhibition.

APS 6 Curator

The Curator will work with the exhibitions and registration team in the development and delivery of exhibitions and programs across the Gallery’s programming areas, including onsite, touring and online; contribute to the development and care of the collection; and liaise with and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, locally and across Australia.

Playgroup programs

For parents and playgroups with children 0 to 4 years - connect, play and create together.

Portrait Artist of the Year: Season 2

Season 2 of ABC’s hit series Portrait Artist of the Year is nearly here! See artists at work over eight episodes as 54 contestants vie for the opportunity to have their work hang at the National Portrait Gallery!

Everyday Scientists

Join the National Portrait Gallery for a special National Science Week online session designed for Years 4–8, where art, history and hands-on science experiments come together.

Drawn in

Draw while listening to members of contemporary jazz ensemble, Bella Groove, as they perform a variety of music from catchy rhythms to thought‑provoking ballads.

2026

Process

Explore how process becomes part of a portrait’s story.

Identity

Discover the way that artists reflect their subjects’ identities through portraiture.

Place

Consider the significance of place when telling someone’s story.

Self portraits

Explore how three artists approach photographic self portraiture.

Winning works

Explore the winning portrait as well as the winners of the People’s Choice, First Time Finalist and Art Handlers awards.

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025

This resource is designed to help secondary teachers create learning experiences that engage students with artists, sitters, themes and stories from the exhibition.