South Africa’s most respected portrait competition is back – and it’s calling on artists across the country to make their mark. The 7th edition of the Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Award opens for entries from 5 to 14 June 2025, offering not only a R200,000 prize pool, but also the chance to be part of a national touring exhibition and win a coveted solo show.
Launched in 2013, the biennial competition has become a beacon for both emerging and established talent. The Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, nestled in Cape Town’s Durbanville, is once again the proud host of this prestigious event, which showcases the evolution and emotional depth of contemporary portraiture in South Africa.
“A portrait says so much more… You have to include the psychology and background of the person,” says curator Donavan Mynhardt. “We encourage entries that push the boundaries of what a portrait can be – works that explore identity, emotion, and the complexity of human connection.”
A Platform for All – Not Just the Trained Few
One of the Portrait Award’s most celebrated qualities is its commitment to inclusivity. “Vision and execution matter more than résumé,” Mynhardt explains. “We’ve seen self-taught artists make it into the Top 40.” That ethos has led to a diversity of voices and styles that reflect the breadth of South African experience.
Artists 18 and older, permanently residing in the country, are eligible to enter. Entries must be two-dimensional and based on a real person known to the artist. Acceptable mediums include pencil, charcoal, oil, textile, mixed media, and more – but photography is not permitted.
A Fair and Insightful Judging Process
To ensure fairness, all entries are judged anonymously. This year’s esteemed panel includes:
Thonton Kabeya, renowned DRC/South African contemporary artist.
Dr Dineke Orton, award-winning art historian and curator.
Sean O’Toole, leading South African art critic and writer.
Together, they bring a holistic lens to evaluating submissions, representing the full creative ecosystem.
What’s at Stake
The competition’s top prizes are substantial.
First Prize: R150,000 and a solo exhibition
Second Prize: R30,000
Third Prize: R20,000
Additionally, the Top 40 entries will be featured in a group show at Rust-en-Vrede Gallery and included in a national touring exhibition – a career-defining platform for many artists.
How to Enter
The entry period is short – just ten days. Artists must submit a high-resolution digital image (maximum 2MB) of their artwork via www.rust-en-vrede.com/portrait-award. A fee of R250 per entry applies. Multiple entries are allowed, but each work is judged individually.
Submission window: Opens: 9am, 5 June 2025Closes: 5pm, 14 June 2025Free delivery to judging via select Stuttaford Van Lines depots is available.
Looking ahead, the gallery will also debut a Junior Portrait Award in 2026, catering to artists aged 16 to 18.
“Take your time, present your work thoughtfully – and most importantly, be bold,” says Mynhardt. “This is your platform to be seen.”
For full rules, entry details and FAQs, visit www.rust-en-vrede.com/portrait-award.
