The competition is now closed.
An exhibition of shortlisted portraits will go on display in the Gallery from 13 November 2021 to 3 April 2022.
The following are answers to some questions you might have about the Zurich Portrait Prize 2021.
You can download a PDF version of the frequently asked questions here
ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
How many entries can I submit?
Entry is limited to one portrait per artist.
Can I submit a portrait I did a few years ago?
The submitted portrait must have been started after 23 June 2018 and completed by 23 June 2021.
Can I resubmit a portrait I entered last year?
Yes, as long as it was completed between the above dates and was not shortlisted in previous years for the Hennessy or Zurich Portrait Prize competitions at the National Gallery of Ireland.
If my portrait has won another award can I enter it?
Yes.
Are there any size restrictions?
The portrait must be of a size and medium that does not inhibit its display in the Gallery. The Gallery has the right to exclude artworks that cannot be reasonably displayed due to their medium or size. Unframed dimensions must be provided in the entry form. If your artwork is to be displayed framed, those framed dimensions must also be given in the entry form.
What does ‘display-ready’ mean?
Your portrait must be finished and ready for display, without amendment, in the Gallery. If a shortlisted artwork requires a frame, any fitting must be completed before delivery to the Gallery. All 2D artworks will be hung from wires. All 2D artworks need to be able to accommodate a hanging fixing of 15mm wide. Any equipment that is specific and/or integral to the display of the artwork will need to be provided by the artist. This includes television screens and specific plinths and cases.
Can I enter a self-portrait or a group portrait?
Yes.
Can I enter a portrait of my pet?
No. Portraits of animals will not be accepted.
Can I enter a portrait of a fictional/ imaginary figure?
No. Portraits of fictional/imaginary figures will not be accepted.
Can I enter a diptych/triptych?
Yes.
What media can I use?
Works in any media (including photography, video, sound, print, textiles, ceramics, sculpture etc.) are acceptable. The Gallery has the right to exclude artworks if the materials, substances, or media used are deemed to be unacceptable i.e. hazardous.
Is it necessary to have the consent of the sitter?
Yes. The artist must have the consent of the sitter(s) (or, where relevant, the sitter’s parent, guardian or estate) to submit the portrait. This consent must be marked on the application form. If permission has not been granted, this will lead to disqualification. If shortlisted for the Zurich Portrait Prize, you will be asked to provide proof of consent from the sitter in your portrait.
Is it possible to enter a commissioned portrait?
Yes, once the portrait was started before 23 June 2018 and completed by 23 June 2021.
I have collaborated with the Gallery on past projects and/or am engaged from time to time by the Gallery as a volunteer, freelance tour guide, workshop facilitator or otherwise on an ad hoc basis. Am I eligible to enter the competition?
Yes, you may enter so long as you aren’t currently undertaking work for, or in collaboration with, the Gallery and you are not scheduled to on or before 30 November 2021.
ENTRY PROCESS
Where do I find the entry form?
You can download the entry form on the Gallery's website.
What will you do with my personal information?
All personal data given will be held securely by the Gallery and will be used to administer your entry. It may be used for internal research/statistical purposes. Your data will also be shared with partner Crawford Art Gallery, Cork.
Can I send in my application by post?
No. All submissions must be made via email as a Word document to: [email protected]
How many digital photographs can I submit with my entry form?
You are restricted to submitting 1 JPEG of your portrait if it is a flat/2D piece (e.g. painting; photograph), and 3 digital images if it is a 3D piece (e.g. sculpture).
What are the requirements for the images that I submit?
The image that you submit must be saved as a JPEG format. The file must be 300DPI and must be no larger than 3MB. Any file size larger than 3MB is not admissible to the prize.
How do I submit a video portrait?
For video portraits, please share your video on WeTransfer to the [email protected] email address and use your own name as the title of the file you are sharing.
How do I submit an audio/sound portrait?
Please submit an MP3 or WAV file on WeTransfer to the [email protected] email address and use your own name as the title of the file you are sharing.
COMPETITION TIMINGS
What is the closing date?
The closing date for submissions is 10PM (IST) 23 June 2021. No entries submitted after this date and time will be considered.
When does the judging happen?
The panel of judges will make their initial selection in late July 2021.
How does the judging process work?
All the digital images/files of portraits successfully entered will be viewed by a panel of judges. From these entries, the judges will draw up a longlist for a second round of adjudication. From that longlist they will select the final shortlist to go on display at the Gallery on 13 November 2021. They will then choose the winning portrait and two highly-commended portraits, having examined the artworks in situ in the Gallery.
When will I hear if my portrait has been shortlisted for the exhibition?
You will be notified by email in early August 2021.
Will I be informed if I have not been shortlisted?
Yes. You will be informed by email in early August 2021. The decisions of the judges are final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into in relation to such decisions. Feedback will not be available whether an artist is shortlisted or not.
If my work has been shortlisted when will I need to deliver it to the Gallery?
All shortlisted portraits must be delivered to the Gallery by appointment between Tuesday 31 August and Wednesday 1 September 2021. All dates are subject to change.
When does the exhibition open?
The exhibition of shortlisted portraits will open to the public at the National Gallery of Ireland on 13 November 2021. The prize-giving ceremony will take place on 30 November 2021. All dates are subject to change.
When does the exhibition close?
The exhibition of shortlisted portraits will close on 3 April 2022. Please note that the exhibition will then travel to our partnering venue Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, where the shortlisted works will be displayed from 23 April to 17 July 2022.
If my portrait is shortlisted, how will it be transported to the second venue?
The transport of works between venues will be facilitated by the National Gallery of Ireland.
You can download a PDF version of the frequently asked questions here
