Lester Prize Opens Submissions for 2026 Portraiture Competition
The Lester Prize has begun accepting entries for its 2026 season. This Australian portraiture competition offers over $135,000 in prize money across multiple award categories. The 2025 exhibition attracted more than 30,000 visitors to WA Museum Boola Bardip. Executive Director Shannon Yujnovich expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, noting strong interest in the Youth Awards. The competition is open to Australian residents aged 18 and older, with submissions closing on June 17, 2026.
Key facts
- The Lester Prize is accepting entries for its 2026 season
- The prize offers over $135,000 in total award money
- The 2025 exhibition had over 30,000 visitors at WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Submissions close on June 17, 2026
- The competition includes Main Awards and Youth Awards categories
Entities
Artists
- Jenna Pickering
- Jenny Rogerson
Institutions
- The Lester Prize
- WA Museum Boola Bardip
- Tony Fini Foundation
- Minderoo Foundation
- Ashurst
Locations
- Australia