Brisbane’s artists are invited to get creative and produce a portrait of an individual, be it an everyday person or a household name, and be in the running to share in $87,000 to be awarded as part of the 2021 Brisbane Portrait Prize.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this year would be the third year for the competition and he looked forward to seeing local artists with local connections submit their work in what has grown to be a highly popular artistic competition.

“This competition has grown in popularity over the past two years, with 633 entries received in its inaugural year, and 766 entries received in 2020,” Cr Schrinner said.

“During the global coronavirus pandemic we saw the trend of people staying home and getting artistic, and I encourage residents of all artistic styles and experience to enter a portrait in the 2021 competition.

“Just like the famous Archibald Prize, the Brisbane Portrait Prize encourages a variety of styles from photography to drawing and paint to collage.

“We do want to see the spirit of Brisbane shine through in the work, so the artist or the portrait subject must have a connection to Brisbane – you can even enter a self-portrait.

“I’m confident this year’s competition will deliver a showcase of our city from hundreds of different perspectives, creating a lasting legacy.”

Cr Schrinner said last year’s impressive entries included works by some of Queensland’s best portraiture artists and equally impressive subjects such as former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce, Brisbane-based author Rick Searle and boxer Jeff Horn.

“Last year, former Archibald Prize finalist Keith Burt captured the Lord Mayor’s prize for his portrait of local Urban Art Projects pioneers Matthew and Daniel Tobin,” he said.

“The Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists went to Julie Fragar, who’s self-portrait depicted the harrowing mood of 2020 and the inaugural Under 18 prize was awarded to fifteen-year-old Christine Rowell, who also entered a COVID-19-inspired piece.

“Entries for this year’s competition are now open until August 15. The winners will be announced at the exhibition launch at the Brisbane Powerhouse on September 29.

“I encourage all artists to put their best face forward and if you’re not creatively inclined, be your own judge by voting in the ‘People’s Choice’ award category or visiting the finalists exhibition when on show.”

Artists will have a chance to share in $87,000 in prize money which will be awarded across seven categories, including the $50,000 Lord Mayor’s Prize, Digital Portraiture Prize, The Courier Mail People’s Choice Award, Performing Arts and Music Industries Award, Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists and the Packing Room Prize.

For more Brisbane Portrait Prize entries and eligibility, visit www.brisbaneportraitprize.org

Competition prizes include:

  • Lord Mayor’s Prize of $50,000
  • Digital Portraiture Prize of $10,000 supported by Accenture
  • The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award of $7500
  • Performing Arts and Music Industries Award $7500 supported by The Lister Family Foundation
  • Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists of $5000 supported by The Clem Jones Foundation
  • Packing Room Prize of $5000 supported by Howard Smith Wharves
  • Next Gen Prize supported by Gadens of $2000