Short Description
The Competition is for recent portraits of Canadian subjects by Canadian artists. A portrait will be interpreted to mean a picture of a specific person. Group portraits and self-portraits are eligible. The portrait must be made by painting or drawing, or a combination of these techniques and must be based on a meeting between the subject and artist. There is no limitation on style, and contemporary and experimental portraits are welcome. The Kingston Prize will be awarded to the best portrait, as chosen by the Jury, with particular attention being paid to mastery of the medium and a sensitive reflection of the interaction between subject and artist. In addition, two Honourable Mention Awards will be made. The Jury is comprised of three distinguished arts professionals; their decisions are independent of The Kingston Prize Association. Their findings are final.
Eligibility
- The competition for the Kingston Prize is open to Canadian artists, 18 years of age and over on the date (September 1, 2025) of the deadline for entries. For the purposes of this competition, “Canadian” shall, in every instance, be interpreted to mean a person having Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
- Members of the Board of The Kingston Prize Association and the Jury are not eligible.
ELIGIBILITY OF THE PORTRAIT
- Each artist may enter one portrait.
- For the purposes of the Competition, “portrait” shall be interpreted to mean a painting or drawing of a specific person or persons. Group portraits and self-portraits are acceptable.
- To be eligible for the Competition, an entry must meet the following conditions:
a) It must be a portrait of a specific Canadian person or persons;
b) It must be made by painting or drawing, or a combination of these techniques;
c) It must be produced between April 26, 2023 and Monday, September 1, 2025.
d) The dimensions, including frame (if any), must not exceed 200 centimetres height x 200 centimetres width x 10 centimetres depth;
e) The artist must meet with the subject for the purpose of making the portrait. Photographs of the subject taken by the artist may be used for reference purposes.
Submission Requirements
a) a completed entry form;
b) one high-resolution digital image of the portrait, as a .jpg file, between 1 MB and 4 MB (name the file LastNameFirstName.jpg);
c) a one-page document with the artist’s statement about the portrait, biography and CV (name the file LastNameFirstName.pdf);
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
There are 3 juried awards: 1 winner and 2 honourable mention awards. The winner receives the $25,000 Kingston Prize. In addition to the awards chosen by the professional jurors, People’s Choice Prizes are awarded at each exhibition location. All visitors receive a ballot to vote for their personal favourite.
Entry Fee
The non-refundable entry fee of $40.00.
Location
Toronto, Canada
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
Website Link: https://kingstonprize.ca/
