The National Artists' Self-Portrait Prize is a biennial award that highlights the enduring importance of self portraiture as an artistic subject. UQ Art Museum is developing the National Collection of Artists’ Self Portraits, and this acquisitive prize serves to highlight the strength of contemporary Australian self portraiture. The Prize and Collection understand the self portrait in an inclusive way that invites a broad term of reference in both media and meaning. 

The self has long been an artistic subject for humanity, intimately expressing how individuals have seen themselves while simultaneously providing insights to wider cultural trends and values. It is in this way that self portraiture can be seen as a unique and important part of our shared cultural heritage, as the self remains an important subject for artists today. Contemporary self portraits encourage debate around a range of issues including individuality and identity.

Entry to the National Artists' Self-Portrait Prize is by invitation only.