Shirley Hannan National Portrait Awards

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Applications close
6 October 2026
Announced
11 December 2026
Prize money
AUD $53,000
Location
NSW, Australia
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This prize is held biennially on even years. Next scheduled for 2026

The Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award is one of Australia's most loved and richest prize for realistic portraiture. The $50,000 biennial award is non-acquisitive and attracts over 400 entries from many of Australia’s most respected artists.

The Award is distinctive in its focus – all works must depict the subject accurately and without abstraction, representing a living person known to the artist and aware of the process.

Best Portrait painting in any medium including pastel (but excluding sculpture, photography, digital media or base relief) being a realistic depiction of a particular living person.

Artists as finalists will receive a loan fee of $335 (+gst).

Prizes

The prizes on offer are:

  • First Prize - $50,000
  • People's Choice - $3,000
  • Mail Room Prize - $500

Venue: Bega Valley Regional Gallery, Zingel Place, Bega, NSW.

Contact: for more information call 02 6499 2187 or email secca@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Summary
Application dates
8 July 2026 - 6 October 2026
Exhibition dates
12 December 2026 - 27 February 2027
Finalists notified
23 October 2026
Eligibility
National Entries
Prize frequency
Biennial - Even Years
Judges
TBA
Prize genre
Portraiture
Location
Bega Valley Regional Gallery, Zingel Place, Bega, NSW
NSW
Australia
Prizes
AUD $53,000
Fees
There is an entry fee of $35
Last updated
20 July 2026
Prior Winners
2024: Lucy Culliton - Winner ($50,000)
2018: Marcus Callum - Winner ($50,000)
2016: Sally Robinson - Winner ($50,000)