The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize

The inaugural VIC PARK COMMUNITY PORTRAIT PRIZE

An exhibition (and awards) by community, of community, for community...

3x $500 CASH PRIZES

GUEST JUDGES

COMMUNITY EXHIBITION

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 all ages, stages and styles, with the only requirement being that both artist and subject must be connected to the Vic Park area in some way.

Beginners are highly encouraged to give it a go! No experience required!

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 renowned artists will guide you through the techniques of how to capture people’s energy, story and spirit through a range of creative approaches, mediums and styles. 

$10 per workshop, all materials included (heavily subsidised)

Note: workshops are not necessary to attend to submit works to the Portrait Prize

PORTRAIT PRIZE KEY DETAILS:

• Submissions are free
  • Closes 5pm, Sunday 30th June
  • 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
• ALL entries will be featured in a Community Exhibition
  • Victoria Park Community Centre
  • One night only
    
  • Friday 19th July
• Stand out entries across 3 categories will be awarded with 3x $500 CASH PRIZES! 

PRIZE DETAILS:

Stand out story: a unique translation of someone’s story into an image- $500

Most surprising representation: unconventional or distinctive use of materials - $500 

People’s choice award: a favourite as voted by the audience on the night - $500

If you need help finding a sitter/subject/person please please get in touch! We know some awesome people with GREAT stories who should feature!

Register your interest and stay up to date by selecting a free ticket on this event, we'll be sending out some reminders and prompts along the way :)

FAQs:

What counts as Vic Park?

Here is the official map, we wont be excluding people on the borders 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.

Do I have to attend the workshops to submit to the exhibition?

Not at all, they are just there as an aid, a form of practice, a warm up or to inspire different ways of working if need be.

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

Thats great! Anytime in 2024 is fine. If its before that - perhaps its time for an update and to get a fresh one started! To be clear. All works must have been made in 2024.

How many submissions can I make?

Just the one thanks!

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.

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.