Short Description
The Portia Geach Memorial Award was established by the will of the late Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister, artist Portia Geach. It is awarded by the Trustee for the entry which is of the highest artistic merit, ‘…for the best portrait painted from life of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters or the sciences by any female artist resident in Australia during the twelve months preceding the closing date for entries.
Eligibility
Applicants must fulfil the following conditions and requirements.
- The sitter of the portrait must be known to the artist and aware of the artist’s intention and have had at least one ‘sitting’ with the artist for the portrait. From the sitting, the artist is allowed to take photographs of their subject which they can refer to in the completion of their works.
- An applicant must be a female artist who is an Australian citizen or British born and have been resident in Australia during the twelve months preceding 15 August 2025.
- An applicant’s painting must be:
- an original work and must not infringe copyright (AI generated works not accepted);
- a. executed entirely during the year commencing 15 August 2024;
- b. completed by the date of submission;
- c. a portrait, painted from life, of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters or the Sciences.
- (Please note that self-portraits are accepted for this award);
- d. two-dimensional and must use the medium of paint.
- If any doubt should arise as to the eligibility of any entry under Conditions 1 or 2, the Trustee may seek the guidance and advice of the Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, or the Dean of the appropriate faculty of the University of Sydney. Any decision on eligibility approved by the Trustee shall be final and binding.
- The maximum size of paintings that will be accepted is 210cm high by 300cm wide.
- Sculpture, photographic and video works are not eligible.
- Collaborative works are not eligible.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
The Award was established by the will of the late Florence Kate Geach in memory of her sister, Portia Geach. The non-acquisitive award of $30,000 is awarded by the Trustee for the entry which is of the highest artistic merit, ‘for the best portrait painted from life of some man or woman distinguished in Art, Letters, or the Sciences by any female resident’ who was born in Australia or was British born, or has become an Australian citizen and has resided in Australia in the preceding twelve months.
Entry Fee
The applicant must forward an administration fee of $50.00 for each entry via the online payment portal.
Location
Sydney, Australia
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
Website Link: https://www.shervingallery.com.au/enter-the-portia-geach-memorial-award/
