The call for entries for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2027 is now open.
Organized by the National Portrait Gallery and supported by headline sponsor Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, the annual competition invites painters from around the world to submit new portraits for the chance to be exhibited at the Gallery in London.
Now in its 45th year, the Portrait Award is one of the most important platforms for portrait painters. The best works will be awarded with cash prizes and inclusion in the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2027 exhibition, which will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery from 24 June to 10 October 2027.
The competition aims to encourage artists over the age of 18 to focus upon, and develop, the theme of portraiture in their work. Since its inception, the competition has attracted over 50,000 entries from more than 100 countries, and the exhibition has been seen by over 6 million people.
Prizes for 2027
- First Prize: £35,000
- Second Prize: £12,000
- Third Prize: £10,000
- Young Artist Award: £9,000, awarded to an entrant aged between 18 and 30, profiling their talent and supporting the development of their practice
All artists chosen to exhibit in 2026 and 2027’s Portrait Award exhibitions will be considered for the bi-annual Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Artist Commission, which has a value of £14,000. The commission will be announced in 2027.
Eligibility
- Open to all artists aged 18 and over, from around the world
- Entrants may submit new works completed after 1 January 2025
- To be eligible for the Young Artist Award, artists must be aged between 18 and 30
For full competition rules, including entry limits and submission requirements, please check the official website.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2027 – Entry Fees
Entry into the competition costs £40.