The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award is a highly esteemed international competition that celebrates the best in contemporary portraiture, drawing artists from all corners of the globe. Open to artists aged 18 and above, the competition aims to showcase a broad spectrum of portrait styles, from traditional approaches to innovative interpretations. It offers a platform for both established and emerging talents to gain exposure and contribute to the evolving landscape of modern portraiture. Artists can submit original works created after January 2024, with a focus on capturing the human figure through painting.
The competition is recognized for its rigorous standards, with entries judged anonymously to ensure fairness and unbiased selection. Artists can submit only one entry each, and the works must adhere to specific guidelines, including medium restrictions—only oil, tempera, or acrylic paintings are accepted. The competition encourages life-based portraiture, where the human figure predominates. Artists must submit their work digitally for the first round of judging, and if shortlisted, their paintings will be displayed in an exhibition held at the prestigious National Portrait Gallery in London.
In addition to its top-tier reputation, the competition offers significant rewards. The top three finalists receive cash prizes, including £35,000 for first place, while artists under 30 are automatically considered for the Young Artist Award. Furthermore, all participants stand a chance to be selected for the inaugural Herbert Smith Freehills Artist Commission, valued at £14,000. The exhibition, running from July to October 2025, will provide artists with the opportunity to present their works to a global audience, enhancing their visibility and impact in the contemporary art scene.
Entry fee is £40.
Eligibility
Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over.
Prize
The competition awards significant cash prizes to winners, with the top prize being £35,000. Additionally, there are second and third place awards of £12,000 and £10,000 respectively. These prizes recognize the most outstanding portraits, supporting artists’ careers and raising their visibility on the global stage. The winning entries will also be featured in an exhibition that reaches a wide audience.
