The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize 2025

The 2nd VIC PARK COMMUNITY PORTRAIT PRIZE

An exhibition & and awards, by community, of community, for community...

If you live, work, play or have historical ties to the Vic Park area, we welcome you to try your hand at portraiture to capture the faces, tales and diversity of this wondrous community! 

The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize is open to anyone and everyone, no matter your experience, age, or style. The only requirement is that both Artist and Subject must be connected to the Vic Park area in some way.

Submissions are FREE, and beginners are highly encouraged to give it a go!

After the overwhelmingly positive community support of last year's first ever Vic Park Community Portrait Prize, we're so excited to return with round 2 thanks again to The Town of Victoria Park through their Arts Grants, and support from The Lester Prize.

To help you in your creative journey, we'll also be running a series of PORTRAITURE WORKSHOPS led by the expert alumni of the prestigious Lester Prize. In these workshops the artists will guide you through different techniques of how to capture people’s energy, story and spirit through a range of creative approaches, mediums and styles. 

Workshops are FREE - book your place here

KEY DATES

Submissions close: Sunday 6th April, 5pm

Exhibition & awards night at Victoria Park Community Centre: Friday 11th April, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Continued exhibition at Victoria park Centre for the Arts: Friday 18th April - Tuesday 29th April

PRIZE DETAILS

$500 - Excellence in Representation: Recognising a strong balance of skill and expression in portraying the subject

$500 - Stand out story: Celebrating a unique or innovative approach to capturing the essence of a person's story

$500 - People’s Choice Award: a favourite as voted by the audience on Exhibition night.

PORTRAIT PRIZE KEY DETAILS:

• Submissions are free
  • Closes 5pm, Sunday 6th April
  • One per person
  • SUBMIT YOUR WORK HERE
• Requirements for entry:
  • Both artist and subject must live, work, play or have historical ties to the Vic Park area.
  • All portraits must be 2D
  • i.e. painting, drawing, collage, digital drawing or mixed media
    
  • No photography (sorry!)
  • No self portraits as we are trying to foster connection between people
  • All subjects must provide explicit consent and sign a simple form in the submission link
• Notification to Artist if artwork has been selected for the Exhibition: Tuesday 8th April
• Selected entries will be featured in the Community Exhibition & Awards night:
  • Friday 11th April, 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Victoria Park Community Centre
  • Following this all works will be transferred to the Vic Park Centre for the Arts for another 2 weeks of exhibition, 17th - 29th April

FAQs:

What counts as Vic Park?

Here is the official map, we're not super strict, but the focus is in and around this area.

Do I have to be a professional artist?

Absolutely not! We REALLY MEAN IT - all ages, stages and styles are welcomed. We want to encourage mass participation and people from all walks of life to have fun with this getting to know their neighbours and community members whilst enjoying the process of making something creative.

Who can I paint?

We want to capture the faces and stories of the Vic Park community- the unsung heroes, friendly neighbours, your local barista, a favourite teacher, or every dat people you meet within your community. Anyone connected to the Vic Park area is perfect!

I love making art but don't know anyone to paint!

No problem. If you're needing a sitter, get in touch with Bess at community@vicparkcc.org.au and we'll hook you up with an awesome person from the community.

What if I made something suitable at the start of this year?

Anytime in 2025 is fine! All works must have been made in 2025.

How many submissions can I make?

Just the one thanks!

Does my sitter/subject have to painted/drawn etc 'from life'?

We would really encourage people to meet, connect and get to know their sitter but it is not a requirement that the work happens from life so you are welcome to use photograph, video or whatever works for you. Some people like to specifically work from memory.

What kind of permission or consent should I gain from my sitter/subject?

We will be uploading a consent form to the submission link for your subject to provide explicit consent for their image to be used.

What kind of frame do I need?

Any is good. Could be second hand, borrowed, something simple or from a local framers if you're feeling flush. The presentation will in no way be taken into consideration when shortlists are made. We appreciate everyone has different means here. 

How will the works be displayed?

This is a one night only show so we will be putting some works on the walls and a number on easels. The ever excellent artist, curator, VPCC board member and Community Arts Network Arts Administrator Long Ngyuen will be guest curating the show.

Is there a junior artist category?

There's not, in this competition we're looking for more than 'experience' or 'talent' as much as we appreciate both these qualities - therefore (at least for this year) everyone will be considered together.