The Lester Prize for Portraiture

The Lester Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious portraiture awards—an annual celebration of artists and their communities, giving them the recognition they deserve.

Established in 2007 (originally as the Black Swan Prize), it provides a major platform for Australian portraitists to showcase their work in Western Australia.

Now in its 18th year, The Lester Prize has grown to become Australia’s largest national art prize by total prize money, with more than $130,000 awarded across two awards (Main and Youth), and multiple categories. In keeping with its ethos of “art accessible for all”, the Judging Panel—made up of independent experts—has chosen works from both established and emerging artists nationwide. The 2025 season will feature the work of forty outstanding finalists, selected from a record 1,124 entries—the largest number since the prize began.

This year’s finalists include 17 returning artists, 13 from Victoria, and 12 from Western Australia. Among them are: 

• Jenna Pickering (Tom Price), whose tiny, meticulous Together as One claimed two awards in 2024.
• Sid Pattni, also a 2025 Archibald Prize finalist.

Executive Director Shannon Yujnovich anticipates record attendance this year, while Director Russell Lester affirms the team’s commitment to championing Australian talent and creativity.

The Main Awards are open to all Australian residents aged 18 and over, with seven prize categories including: 

• The Richard Lester Prize for Portraiture
• Tony Fini Foundation Artist Prize
• Minderoo Foundation Spirit Prize
• Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize

All are welcome to view the finalists’ artworks - some of which are for sale.  

Artists will talk about their individual artwork from 12-2.30 pm, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September - find out more.

More details on the Lester Prize website.

Location: Level One, WA Museum Boola Bardip