The BP Portrait Award is the most prestigious portrait competition in the world, highlighting the very best in contemporary portrait painting. Open to everyone over the age of 18, the competition and resulting exhibition aim to encourage artists to focus upon and develop the theme of portraiture in their work.

As well as a significant first-prize of £25,000 and three runners-up prizes, the competition also includes a special prize for entrants under the age of 30, continuing the Award's role as a showcase for young artistic talent. Anyone selected for the exhibition is also eligible to enter for the BP Travel Award.

Submissions for the BP Portrait Award 2009 will be open from December 2008 and will run until February 2009. During that time you will be able to enter online. If you would like to be sent an email reminder when the competition opens please fill in your name and email address below:

Data Protection
The National Portrait Gallery is committed to protecting your privacy. All personal data supplied on this form will be held securely and (unless you agree otherwise) only be used for the purpose of administering the BP Portrait Award. It will not be passed to any third parties.