The Self Portrait Prize 2025, organized by the Ruth Borchard Collection, invites artists worldwide to explore identity through self-portraiture in this prestigious, multidisciplinary competition. Open to painting, photography, sculpture, digital media, and more, the contest celebrates innovative interpretations of the self, with submissions accepted from January 1 to May 2, 2025.
A £10,000 cash prize awaits the winner, alongside exhibition opportunities at Southampton City Art Gallery and online platforms. Entry fees range from £40 (UK) to £50 (international), with late submissions costing slightly more.
Centered on the theme of self-portraiture, the The Self Portrait Prize 2025 welcomes figurative, abstract, and experimental works created since 2015. Shortlisted works will be displayed in a London group exhibition, while longlisted entries gain exposure in an online selling showcase. Though the prize emphasizes artistic merit over commercial potential, the £10,000 award and institutional recognition make it a standout among all photo competitions.
The contest’s global reach and prestigious jury offer significant exposure. For photographers and artists seeking to elevate their portfolios, this competition balances creative freedom with career-building opportunities.
The Self Portrait Prize 2025 Awards
The Self Portrait Prize 2025 combines financial rewards with high-profile exposure, making it a coveted opportunity for emerging and established artists.
Grand Prize
- £10,000 cash award
- Exhibition at Southampton City Art Gallery
The winner’s work joins the Ruth Borchard Collection’s legacy, gaining visibility in a respected public space.
Shortlisted Artists
- Inclusion in a London group exhibition at Piano Nobile Gallery
- Consideration for acquisition by the Next Generation Collection
Longlisted Artists
- Online selling exhibition via Ruth Borchard’s Virtual Gallery and Artsy
- Promotion to collectors and art enthusiasts
These rewards emphasize career advancement, offering artists a platform to connect with galleries, collectors, and audiences globally.
The Self Portrait Prize 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
To make participation clear and accessible, here are the key dates and entry fees for The Self Portrait Prize 2025:
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Submissions Open | January 1, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | May 2, 2025 |
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK-Based Artists | £40 |
| International Artists | £50 |
Submission Process:
All entries must be submitted via the official Zealous online portal. Each submission must include:
- A high-quality image or video of the artwork
- A completed application form
- An artistic statement (max 200 words)
- Payment of the entry fee
Artists may submit multiple self-portraits, but each entry requires a separate submission and fee.
About the Jury
The selection process for The Self Portrait Prize 2025 is overseen by a panel of respected professionals from the art and cultural sectors. The judging panel includes:
- Alan Carr – Television presenter and comedian, known for his passion for the arts.
- Dr. Sarah Turner – Director of the Paul Mellon Centre, an expert in art history and curation.
- Sir Peter Bazalgette – Cultural leader, author, and former chairman of Arts Council England.
- Simon Vincent CBE – British art collector and business leader.
- Colin Davidson – Internationally acclaimed artist and previous Self Portrait Prize winner.
- A member of the Borchard family – Representing the long-standing commitment of the Borchard family to self-portraiture.
This diverse panel ensures a fair and well-rounded evaluation of submissions, considering various artistic styles and perspectives.
Why Enter The Self Portrait Prize 2025?
The Self Portrait Prize 2025 offers a unique opportunity for artists to gain international recognition in the field of self-portraiture. The combination of a substantial cash prize, a high-profile exhibition, and the chance to be part of a respected contemporary art collection makes this competition an attractive choice.
For emerging artists, the competition provides valuable exposure and a credible platform to showcase their work. For established artists, it offers the chance to further solidify their reputation in the art world.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of The Self Portrait Prize 2025 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest, we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the competition.
Key Rules
- Artists of all backgrounds may enter, with no restrictions on experience level.
- Participants must be over 16 (or have parental consent).
- The artwork must be a self-portrait, created in 2015 or later.
- No size restrictions apply, but artists submitting large or heavy works should provide additional images showing details.
- Multi-part works (diptychs, triptychs) are accepted as a single entry.
- Each submission requires a separate entry fee.
- Longlisted artists will be featured in an online selling exhibition.
- Shortlisted artists must deliver their artwork to London for final judging.
Copyright Terms
- Artists retain full copyright over their work.
- By entering, artists grant the Ruth Borchard Collection permission to use their images for marketing, promotional, and educational purposes.
- Selected works may be used in exhibitions, digital archives, and online publications.
- Works purchased for the Next Generation Collection will have all rights transferred to the Collection.
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