The RP Critical Writing Prize 2026

Location
United Kingdom (Online)

Open to
Open to all applicants worldwide. Submissions must be written in English. There is no age limit and no formal education or qualifications are required.

Application Fee
Free.

What's Provided

• First Prize: £500

• Two Special Mention Prizes: £250 each

• All three selected texts will be published in the RP Annual Exhibition Catalogue (May 2027), providing a platform for new and established writers on contemporary portrait painting.

What the Artist/Applicant Must Cover
No financial support or expense coverage is stated. Applicants must submit the title and first 200 words of a proposed essay. If shortlisted, they will be invited to submit the full essay (approximately 1,000–1,500 words).

Duration
Not applicable.

Deadline
2 December 2026 (Midnight).

Essential Notes

• The competition is for new writing on any aspect of contemporary painted or drawn portraiture.

• Initial submission consists of the essay title and first 200 words.

• The writing may take the form of a review, critical essay, or a creative/experimental text.

• Academic dissertations and highly technical scholarly papers are not encouraged.

• Selected texts may also be used to promote the Society and the prize in print, on the Society's website, and across its social media channels.