The Lester Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious portraiture prizes—an award that places artists and the community proudly front and centre.
Established in 2007, we provide an avenue for artists across Australia to exhibit works of portraiture in Western Australia. Our annual prize pool of $121,000 is spread across two exhibitions and ten categories.
In 2023, 950 entries were received, with 40 Finalists selected for exhibition at the Art Gallery of WA.
Our 2024 exhibition will be held at WA Museum Boola Bardip, 13 September – 27 October 2024.
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Every donation counts and helps us provide the public opportunities to participate in arts and culture—to keep them mentally and physically active, and socially connected, which is critical for healthy communities. Our programs use visual arts to help ensure all members of our society are valued and engaged. Your support is greatly appreciated.
We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.