The RP Critical Writing Prize ($750)
The RP Critical Writing Prize 2026: Win Up to £500 for Writing on Contemporary Portrait Painting
Writers with an interest in art, portraiture, and cultural criticism should submit their work to the RP Critical Writing Prize 2026, an annual award organised by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Now in its fourth year, the prize has become an important platform for emerging and established voices exploring the world of contemporary painted portraiture.
The competition welcomes original and thought-provoking writing on any aspect of contemporary portrait painting. The organisers are particularly seeking essays that are engaging, enquiring, and free from overly academic or highly technical language.
Benefits of the RP Critical Writing Prize
Three writers will progress to the final stage of the competition. The awards include:
- First Prize: £500
- Two Special Mention Prizes: £250 each
They will publish the three winning texts in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition Catalogue, which they will release in May 2027, offering writers valuable exposure within the visual arts sector.
Eligibility Criteria for the RP Critical Writing Prize
The RP Critical Writing Prize is:
- Open to writers worldwide.
- Free to enter.
- Open to all ages.
- Open to applicants without any formal education or professional qualifications.
All submissions must be written in English.
What to Submit
Applicants should send:
- The title of their proposed essay.
- The first 200 words of their essay on the contemporary painted or drawn portrait.
If selected, writers will be invited to submit the complete essay, which should be approximately 1,000 to 1,500 words. The final piece may take different forms, including an exhibition review, a discussion of an existing artwork, or a more creative and experimental response to portraiture.
How to Apply
Send the title and first 200 words of your essay by email to:
The Royal Society of Portrait Painters recommends that applicants explore previous winning entries and established art journals to understand the style of writing encouraged by the prize.
Deadline
The deadline for submissions is midnight on 2 December 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
Resources for Writers
