Organizer Information:
PAKD Gallery Berlin. An artist-led and artist-run gallery committed to bringing a new way of programming artists and their work. They provide a platform for exhibitions, workshops, courses, talks, and cultural events to support emerging artists locally and abroad.
Title & Description:
Applications are open for the PAKD Gallery Berlin Portrait Award 2026.
Submit your portrait and figurative artwork to be considered by a distinguished jury of acclaimed artists and illustrators. The award presents an opportunity to showcase your art to collectors, curators, and fellow creators from the worlds of representational art and illustration. Selected entries will be exhibited in a specially curated exhibition at PAKD in June and July 2026.
Category:
Painting, Drawing, & Traditional 2D Media.
Eligibility:
- Who: Open to artists of all nationalities and residencies.
- Logistics: Artists MUST be able to arrange delivery and pick-up of the physical artwork to and from Berlin, Germany, if selected.
- Mediums: Work MUST be in a 2D format (can be hung on walls) using mediums such as oil paint, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolour, graphite, pastel, colouring pencil, charcoal, pen & ink. NO sculptures, digital work, AI-generated work, or photography.
- Subject Matter: Portraits and figures in any style are allowed, provided they are based on a real person and predominantly observed from life. Invented characters or character designs are NOT eligible.
- Size Limits: Maximum dimensions are 250cm x 250cm.
- Entry Limits: One artwork per entry, but multiple entries are allowed (each requires a separate fee).
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Grand Prize: The first prize winner will be eligible for a free one-week solo exhibition at PAKD Gallery, including promotion via their social media and website.
- Group Exhibition: Selected entries will be exhibited in the curated group show at PAKD running from June 12 – July 4, 2026.
Application Fee & Program Costs:
The competition features tiered entry fees based on the date of submission:
- Early Bird: €10 (Ended December 31, 2025).
- Regular Fee: €15 (January 1 – March 31, 2026).
- Late Fee: €20 (April 1 – April 26, 2026).
Application Requirements:
Initial submissions are digital. The file size must be under 50MB in PNG or JPG format. If selected, the physical work will then be delivered and verified by the gallery team for authenticity. By purchasing an entry, you will receive a downloadable PDF with specific entry instructions (available for 24 hours).
How to Apply?
Purchase your entry ticket via the official PAKD Gallery checkout link. Upon purchase, follow the instructions in the provided PDF to submit your digital file.
Key Dates:
- Regular Fee Deadline: March 31, 2026.
- Final Application Deadline: April 26, 2026.
- Exhibition Dates: June 12 – July 4, 2026.
Location:
PAKD Gallery, Berlin, Germany. (Initial submission is online).