Portrait Artist of the Year greenlit for season two on ABC

8th December 2025

ABC and Endemol Shine Australia are thrilled to announce that Portrait Artist of the Year has been commissioned for a second season – and we’re calling on talented artists to apply and be part of the exciting new journey!

Since its November launch, season one has quickly become an audience favourite, averaging over 1.1 million viewers per episode across ABC TV and ABC iview. With the highest ABC iview launch audience of any arts program in 2025YTD, it is on track to become the #1 ABC arts program of the year on the platform. *

“Portrait Artist of the Year is a joy and an inspiration, and we’re excited to bring audiences another season filled with creativity and jaw-dropping artistic talent from across Australia. Get ready for compelling portraits, unforgettable stories, and plenty of laughs and tears along the way. We can’t wait!” said Kath Earle, Head Arts, Music and Events.

David McDonald - Director of Comedy, Endemol Shine Australia said; "We are delighted to be going into a second season of Portrait Artist of the Year.  We look forward to discovering more new talent, while highlighting some of Australia's finest portraitists and personalities in a celebration brought together by our fabulous hosts and judges." 

Popular hosts Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor return to guide a fresh round of creativity and competition.  Amateur and professional artists will once again go head-to-head for the ultimate prize: a life-changing commission, destined for pride of place in the National Portrait Gallery.  Joining them are Director of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, Bree Pickering; award winning, multi-disciplinary artist, Abdul Abdullah; and Associate Professor of Art History at the Australian National University (ANU), Robert Wellington, returning to share their expertise and passion.

Season two will bring a brand-new mix of celebrity faces stepping into the studio to be immortalised on canvas by talented artists – and you could be one of them!  Apply now to showcase your creativity.

Artists wishing to apply click HERE