PORTRAIT: The National Portrait Prize
South Africa’s premier celebration of contemporary portraiture.
Every portrait tells a story. PORTRAIT: The National Portrait Prize showcases the very best of South Africa’s contemporary portraiture — diverse, thought-provoking, and world-class. Open to artists nationwide, the Prize is a platform for new voices and established talent alike.
Prize Highlights
R300,000
The nation’s leading portrait award.
All Mediums Welcome
Painting, sculpture, photography, video, digital.
200+ Artists Featured
Honoraria for every exhibiting artist.
Under-12s Included
Inspiring the next generation.
How It Works
Call for Entries
Open nationwide to all artists.
Judging
A panel of leading professionals selects finalists.
Exhibition
Finalists’ works shown in a major public exhibition.
Awards
Winners announced on Opening Night.
Sponsors & Partners
Presented in partnership with South Africa’s leading cultural and corporate partners.
As a 51% Black woman-owned Level 2 B-BBEE Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME), the Prize not only champions artists but also contributes directly to your Preferential Procurement recognition on the B-BBEE scorecard.
