VPCC: The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize 2026: Artist Submissions

Welcome to the annual VIC PARK COMMUNITY PORTRAIT PRIZE - Artists Submissions page

An exhibition and awards, by community, of community, for community... ALL ages and abilities are welcome, if the process of entry seems a bit 'too much' please reach out for some support, we welcome everyone.

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! 

4 PRIZES

$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.

$1500 - SAVA and Monster Art Studios Award: worth of Art Studio time and Exhibition of works - SAVA and Monster Art Studios (not cash like the other prizes)

IMPORTANT DATES

Digital Submissions via this Humanitix page (click 'get tickets') close: 14th August 2026 - 5pm

Art delivery window is 17th - 19th August between 9-3pm to VPCC

Judges Panel Evening (Closed Event) - 21st August 2026, Judges include: Lester Prize, SAVA Art & Monster Art Studios, Gok Lim, Manish Malla.

Exhibition & Awards Night at Victoria Park Community Centre: Friday 28th August, 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Continued Winners Exhibition at Victoria Park Library: 5th to 30th October 2026

Big thanks to our sponsors..

• The Lester Prize

• Town of Victoria Park

• SAVA ART & MONSTER ART Studios

• Victoria Park Library

• Vic Park Rotary WA

• Hannah Beazley MLA

• Kate Doust MLC

• Mewish Brow

PORTRAIT PRIZE KEY DETAILS

• Submissions are FREE

  • Digital Submissions close: 14th August 2026 - 5pm

  • Art delivery window is 17th - 19th August 2026 to VPCC

  • One per person

  • SUBMIT YOUR WORK by clicking 'Get Tickets' on Humanitix and uploading info by following the checkout questions.

  • Fill out and upload the Subject Consent Form accessible here: Subject Consent Form

• 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

  • Portraits must be framed (any type is fine)

  • 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 25th August 2026

• Selected entries will be featured in the Community Exhibition & Awards night - Friday 28th August 2026 - 5.30pm - 7.30pm, Victoria Park Community Centre

• Following this, award winning works will be transferred to the Vic Park Library for another exhibition, 5th - 30th Oct 2026

• If you have any problems with forms or submissions please email them to us at community@vicparkcc.org.au

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 you to capture the faces and stories of the Vic Park community- the unsung heroes, friendly neighbours, your local barista, a favourite teacher, or every day 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 us at community@vicparkcc.org.au and we'll hook you up with someone awesome from the community.

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

Anytime in 2026 is fine! All works must have been made in 2026.

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.

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

The subject or their guardian must sign a simple consent form, to be uploaded in the submission link. Take a look at the consent form Subject Consent Form

What size can my work be?

Anything within reason which you can reasonably bring into the Centre or document and display.

What about hanging?

All works will be displayed on easels so not particular hanging requirements or fixtures.

What kind of frame do I need?

Any is good. It 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?

Selected works (to be notified on the Tuesday before the exhibition) will be featured in the Exhibition & Awards Night. Following this, the works will be heading on to The Vic Park Library Winners exhibition.

Is there a junior artist category?

There's not, but we welcome all ages to submit! 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. 


Here are some subject ideas... If you need more please get in contact