Adam Portraiture Award
Frequently Asked Questions
Adam Portraiture Award 2016 opening
What is the Adam Portraiture Award?
The Adam Portraiture Award is a biennial portrait award for painted portraits hosted and administered by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery. It has been running since 2002 and is one of the country’s longest running art prizes. The Award culminates in The Adam Portraiture Award exhibition in which all the finalists and the winners are shown at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. The Adam Portraiture Award 2020 exhibition runs from 28 February – 9 August 2020.
Who has won in the past?
Previous winners include Logan Moffat in 2018, André Brönnimann in 2016, Henry Christian-Slane in 2014, Stephen Martyn Welch in 2012, Harriet Bright in 2010, Irene Ferguson in 2008 and Freeman White in 2006.
Who is the Judge?
Each year we invite a special international judge to choose both the finalists and the winners of the Adam Portraiture Award. This year we have also invited a New Zealand judge who will bring local knowledge and context. The Judges for 2020 Adam Portraiture Award are Karen Quinlan, Director National Portrait Gallery of Australia and Lara Strongman, Chief Curator Christchurch Art Gallery.
What are the prizes?
First prize - $20,000
Runner up - $2,500
People’s Choice - $2,500 (awarded at the end of the exhibition in Wellington)
How do I enter?
Through the entry form on our website (nzportraitgallery.org.nz). You are required to attach a high resolution image of our work. Please note that this image will be used for the initial judging phase, so please ensure it is of sufficient quality.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is a $50 non-refundable fee to enter. This fee goes towards the cost of administering the award.
What are the main conditions of the Award?
Artist must be a NZ resident or citizen
Subject(s) must be a NZ resident or citizen
Painted portraits only e.g. watercolour, acrylic, oil.
Subject(s) or next of kin’s permission to be painted must be obtained
Portraits must have been completed in the last 2 years.
Is there a size restriction?
There is no size restriction for the portraits entered in the competition. Keep in mind that works need to be easily shipped, larger works, or complex shapes may not be toured.
What are the important dates I need to be aware of?
May: Entries open
4pm, 6 December 2019: Entries close
27 January 2020: Finalist selection completed & finalists notified
11 February 2020: Finalist Portraits Courier Delivery
17 February 2020: Finalist Portraits Hand Delivery
24 February 2020: Judging commences
26 February 2020: Winners announced
27 February – 9 August 2020: Exhibition runs at NZPG
When do I send in my portrait?
The initial selection process is done using the digital image submitted with your entry. Award finalists will be notified when to send in their physical portraits for final judging and the Adam Portraiture Award exhibition.
What happens during the judging?
The initial selection is completed in the judge’s home country. The digital image submitted by each artist is sent to the judge. The judge uses these digital images (with no knowledge of the subject, artist, etc.) to decide the finalists (approximately 50 works).
The shortlisted works are physically sent to the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to be hung for the final judging and exhibition. The judge takes several days before the opening to decide on the winners, which are announced at the opening night celebrations.
The People’s Choice award is chosen by visitor votes and is announced at the close of the exhibition at The New Zealand Portrait Gallery.
Who sponsors the Award?
The Adam Foundation (Denis and Verna Adam) have sponsored the Award since inception in 2002.
Are the portraits for sale?
Many of the portraits are for sale. It is up to the individual artist to decide whether they would like to sell their work. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery takes a 30% commission for handling the sales of the work.
Will the exhibition tour?
Yes. A selection from the Adam Portraiture Award exhibition tours multiple venues in the North and South Island. Artists will be notified if their work has been selected to tour around March/April 2020.
When will the next competition be - and how can I enter?
The next Adam Portraiture Award competition will be held in early 2022. Entries will open mid-2021 and entries will be digitally submitted through our website. More details and exact dates will be available closer to the time.