National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award 2027: £35,000 First Prize, Entries Close 1 December

London's National Portrait Gallery is inviting painters worldwide to enter the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2027, a major international platform for contemporary painted portraiture. The competition brings traditional techniques and new visual approaches into conversation.

Eligibility and entry

Artists must be at least 18 years old. Eligible portraits must have been completed after 1 January 2025. The standard entry fee is £40, with specific waivers or discounts available to eligible entrants under the gallery's rules.

Prizes and exhibition

The prizes are £35,000 for first place, £12,000 for second and £10,000 for third. A £9,000 Young Artist Award recognises a competitor aged 18–30. Shortlisted paintings are scheduled to be shown at the National Portrait Gallery from 24 June to 10 October 2027.

Deadline and application

Submit a digital image through the official competition platform by 22:00 UK time on 1 December 2026. Applicants selected from the digital round must arrange delivery of the physical painting to London for final judging. Check the full rules for permitted media, shipping and eligibility.

About the organiser

The National Portrait Gallery is a major London institution. The long-running portrait competition has drawn more than 50,000 entries from over 100 countries since its inception.

Official sources

National Portrait Gallery — https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2027/herbert-smith-freehills-kramer-portrait-award-2027

Official announcement — https://www.npg.org.uk/about/press/national-portrait-gallery-opens-entries-for-the-herbert-smith-freehills-kramer-portrait-award-2027

Before applying

This is an independently edited summary of the organiser's information. Check the official rules, entry requirements, fees and current deadline before applying; the organiser's information takes precedence.