RBSA Portrait Prize 2026
THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED
Entry fees deadline: Tuesday 24 March, 4.00pm
Exhibition runs: Tuesday 5 May – Saturday 13 June 2026
About This Exhibition
The RBSA Portrait Prize provides an opportunity for portrait artists to exhibit their work in the RBSA’s renowned Gallery and be rewarded for their talents though a range of prizes.
All styles, media, and genres of portraiture are eligible for this exhibition, including photography and digital work.
We welcome entries from professional and emerging artists based locally, nationally, and internationally.
Selecting the exhibition will be:
- Brian Bishop – Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and Course Director for BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Birmingham School of Art
- Anthony Connolly President RP – President, Royal Society of Portrait Painters
- Dr Hannah Higham – Head of Collections, Royal Academy of Arts
The following prizes will be awarded:
- First Prize £1000
- Second Prize £500
- Third Prize £250
- Up to six highly commended certificates will also be awarded
Selection for the Portrait Prize is by digital image of the original artwork only. All works entered go through the same anonymous selection process. The selection is based on the assessment of the quality and interest of each work.
A catalogue featuring all works will be published alongside the exhibition.
Key Dates – RBSA Portrait Prize 2026
- Entry Deadline: Tuesday 24 March, 12pm
- Entry Fee Payment Deadline: Tuesday 24 March, 4pm
- Selected Works Announced by: Friday 10 April, 5pm
- Delivery of work:
- Tuesday 28 April, 11am – 4pm
- Wednesday 29 April, 11am – 4pm
- Thursday 30 April, 11am – 4pm
- Friday 1 May, 11am – 4pm
- Saturday 2 May, 11am – 4pm
- Exhibition on display: Tuesday 5 May – Saturday 13 June
- Preview Evening: Tuesday 5 May, 6 – 8pm
- Collection of work: Sunday 14 June, 12 – 2pm
Image: Natalie Chapman, Dear Loneliness