ArtHouse Jersey has launched an open call for entries to its new Portrait Award, a competition open to artists aged 16 and over who live in or have a strong connection to the Channel Islands. The award is free to enter, with a deadline of September 30, 2026, and offers a top prize of £1,500 plus two runner-up prizes of £500 each. Selected works will be exhibited at Capital House in St Helier from January to April 2027, alongside works by international artists. All forms of portraiture—painting, photography, mixed media—are eligible, provided they are original and completed within the last three years.
The award matters because it provides a dedicated platform for portrait artists in the Channel Islands, a region often underrepresented in major art competitions. By combining a local focus with international participation and a public exhibition, ArtHouse Jersey aims to foster community engagement and support emerging and established artists alike. The initiative also strengthens the cultural profile of the Channel Islands, offering artists a chance to sell work (with a 15% commission to the organizer) and gain exposure in a curated exhibition setting.