2026 Percival Portrait Painting Prize

The biennial Percival Portrait Painting Prize is North Queensland's own portrait competition.

Having begun in 2007, The Percivals is an open competition for artists. Whilst showcasing the outstanding and innovative work currently being produced by Australian artists, the competition has also given many emerging artists the opportunity to engage with portraiture and share their expressions of themselves and those close to them.

The exhibition, which has been growing with every edition, offers a major $40,000 acquisitive prize.

Artists are invited to submit online applications for the Percival Portrait Painting Prize to be held at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Townsville, from  23 May until 30 August 2026.

Applications must be submitted online using the SmartyGrants platform, prior to 5pm AEST Tuesday 20 January 2026. Applications submitted in hard copy format or via email will not be accepted.

KEY DATES

Applications Close:  5pm AEST Tuesday 20 January 2026

Artists advised of Selection: Friday 20 February 2026

Delivery of Artworks: Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 May 2026

Winners Announcement and Official Opening: 6pm AEST Saturday 23 May 2026

Exhibition Dates: Saturday 23 May until Sunday 30 August 2026

Collection of Artworks: Monday 7 & Tuesday 8 September 2026

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Major Acquisitive Prize: $40,000

People's Choice Award: $1,000

Participation in the competition confirms acceptance of these terms and conditions by the artist.

Entry is open to all local, interstate and international artists, of all ages.

Download your copy of the terms and conditions (T&Cs): The Percivals - Townsville City Council

Townsville City Council collects and manages personal information in the course of performing its activities, functions and duties. We respect the privacy of the personal information held by us. The way in which Council manages personal information is governed by the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld). We are collecting your personal information in accordance with Local Government Act 2009 in order to select, exhibit and promote submitted artworks in the Competition events, displays and public programming.

Details will only be retained for the purpose of the exhibition. By participating in this Competition, you provided your consent for Council to disclose your personal information to the independent judging panel.  

Council will not disclose your personal information outside of Council unless we are required to do so by law, or unless you have given us your consent to such disclosure.

For further information about how we manage your personal information please see our Information Privacy Policy available on the Townsville City Council website here.

If you have any questions while completing your application form, please contact Perc Tucker Regional Gallery by phone on (07) 4727 9011 or via email at galleries@townsville.qld.gov.au