Overview of the Award

The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award returns for 2025, celebrating the finest in contemporary portrait painting. This esteemed competition showcases captivating portraits by artists worldwide, welcoming both self-taught and established painters.

Competition Legacy

Since its inception, the Portrait Award has drawn over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries and has been viewed by over 6 million people. Artists present a compelling mix of classical and innovative styles, highlighting the continuing impact and relevance of portraiture.

Prizes and Recognition

Participate for a chance to exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery and vie for top awards, including:

• First Prize: £35,000

• Second Prize: £12,000

• Third Prize: £10,000

Additionally, the Young Artist Award offers a prize of £9,000 to an outstanding entrant aged 18 to 30, aimed at recognizing and fostering emerging talent.

Eligibility and Requirements

Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and above as of 1 January 2024, this competition encourages artists to delve into portraiture. Artists may submit one piece completed after 1 January 2024.

Additional Opportunities

All artists featured in the 2024 and 2025 exhibitions will also be eligible for the inaugural Herbert Smith Freehills Artist Commission, a £14,000 opportunity to further showcase their work.

Entry Fee

The entry fee for the 2025 Portrait Award is £40.