Sponsored by Zurich, this competition is open to artists working in Ireland, and Irish citizens based abroad. Submissions are not restricted by media; however, all entries must have been completed within the last three years. The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of €15,000 and will be commissioned to create a work for the National Portrait Collection, for which they will be awarded a further €5,000. Two additional awards of €1,500 will be given to highly commended works. The 2021 shortlist will go on display in the National Gallery of Ireland before being exhibited at Crawford Art Gallery (23 April - 17 July 2022).

The judging panel is formed by artist Eamonn Doyle, art historian Róisín Kennedy, and curator Seán Kissane.