The Lester Prize

The Lester Prize is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2007 and has grown to become one of the nation’s most prestigious prizes for portraiture. Portraiture is the most accessible form of visual art. No matter the style in which it is rendered, the human likeness is something we can all relate to. It’s the one form of art we have all created at some point in our lives—there is something elemental in human nature that drives us to draw or paint the likenesses of people. The Lester Prize is proud to provide Western Australia and the country with the opportunity to engage with the best of the artform in a format that puts both artists and community front-and-centre. We are for the elevation of the artist but against vacuous celebrity; quality irrespective of style; insight over fashion. We aim to build reputations, not just venerate those who already have one. As a not-for-profit organisation with DGR status, donations are 100% tax deductible, and help 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.