Next Gen Portrait Prize 2026
14 November 2026 – 21 February 2027
Entries are now open for the Next Gen Portrait Prize 2026 proudly sponsored by the Property Shop.
Calling all young artists! This is your chance to create a portrait, tell a story and see your work exhibited at Mudgee Arts Precinct.
Presented alongside the MAP Portrait Prize 2026, the Next Gen Portrait Prize celebrates the creativity and talent of children and young people from across our region and the people who are important in their lives.
For the first time in 2026, entries can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, opening up even more ways to create your portrait. Paint it, draw it, collage it, sculpt it or explore mixed media. We can't wait to see what you create!
The Next Gen Portrait Prize 2026 exhibition will be presented upstairs at Mudgee Arts Precinct from Saturday 14 November 2026 to Sunday 21 February 2027.
CALL FOR ENTRIES
Entries are invited from students and young people who live in or attend school in the Mid-Western Regional local government area.
Your portrait must be of someone you know, someone you have a personal connection to, or a self-portrait, with a human as the primary subject.
Whether you love to paint, draw, sculpt and create, or simply want to give something new a try, we encourage you to get involved.
Entries close 5.00 pm Monday 9 November 2026
- Entry is free
- Enter up to three artworks per artist
- Individual and group entries are welcome
- 2D and 3D artworks are welcome
- Prize categories range from Preschool and under through to Year 12
All entries for the Next Gen Portrait Prize 2026 are to be submitted online.
READY TO CREATE YOUR PORTRAIT?
Think about someone who matters to you. How would you capture them in a portrait? Pick up a pencil, paintbrush, camera or clay and start creating!
ENTER HERE
PRIZE CATEGORIES
There is a prize category for every school-aged entrant, from our youngest artists right through to Year 12:
Preschool and under
Kindergarten - Year 2
Year 3 – Year 6
Year 7 – Year 9
Year 10 – Year 12
People’s Choice Award
Winners of each category, including the People’s Choice Award, will receive an art pack valued at $150.
HAVE YOUR SAY AND YOU COULD WIN!
Visit the Next Gen Portrait Prize and vote for your favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Award. The young artist whose work receives the most votes will receive an art pack valued at $150.
Plus, everyone who votes in the People’s Choice Awards for the MAP Portrait Prize 2026 and Next Gen Portrait Prize 2026 will go into the draw to win $500. There is one $500 voter prize draw across both exhibitions.
Come along, discover the incredible creativity on display, support your favourite artists and cast your vote!
KEY DATES
Monday 9 November 2026: Entries Close 5pm
Tuesday 10 November 2026: Delivery of works
Saturday 14 November 2026: Exhibition opens to the public
Friday 27 November 2026: 6pm official opening event and winners announced
Sunday 31 January 2027: People’s Choice Award voting closes
Wednesday 3 February 2027: People’s Choice Award announced
Sunday 21 February 2027: Exhibition closes
Monday 1 March 2027: Collection of works
ENTER HERE
MORE INFORMATION
Have a question about entering? Contact the Cultural Team at Mudgee Arts Precinct.
Tel:02 6378 2850
Email:map@midwestern.nsw.gov.au
