National Photographic Portrait Prize to end after 2026 exhibition
One of Australia's longest-running photography awards is coming to a close, with the National Portrait Gallery confirming the 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize (NPPP) will be the final edition of the competition.
After 19 years, the Gallery says it will replace the prize with a new photography initiative from 2027, marking the end of a competition that has showcased more than 900 portraits by over 600 artists since it launched in 2007.
To mark the occasion, this year's finalist exhibition will be accompanied by a retrospective featuring standout works from across the prize's history, celebrating its contribution to Australian portrait photography over nearly two decades.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize has become a key fixture on the Australian photography calendar, providing a platform for both emerging and established photographers while documenting the people, moments and stories that have shaped the nation each year.
Through the National Portrait Gallery's touring program, the exhibition has also travelled extensively, visiting more than 70 regional and remote galleries across Australia.
Over its lifetime, the prize has also helped build the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection, with 23 works acquired from previous editions.
National Portrait Gallery director Bree Pickering said the final exhibition would celebrate both the 2026 finalists and the legacy of the award.
"We are excited to present the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026 alongside an alumni presentation of works from the past 19 years," Pickering said.
"The retrospective highlights some of the most compelling, authentic and evocative portraits from over the years and, together with the 2026 finalist exhibition, offers a unique insight into the past twenty years of photographic portraiture in Australia."
The Gallery said the new prize model, due to launch in 2027, will continue to support photographers while reflecting the changing role of photography in contemporary life. Further details are expected next year.
The final National Photographic Portrait Prize attracted more than 1,000 entries, with 30 finalists selected.
The overall winner will be announced on 21 August, receiving $30,000 in cash from the National Portrait Gallery along with $20,000 worth of Canon Australia equipment. Additional awards include the First Time Finalist Award, the Art Handlers' Award and the People's Choice Award.
The 2026 National Photographic Portrait Prize will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra from 22 August to 11 October before embarking on its national tour.