All medium of artwork and creative

self-expression

Do you identify as have a learning disability (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and or dyspraxia) then we want to showcase your unique, individual beautiful self-portrait?

The Dear Dyslexic Foundation uses storytelling to raise awareness of dyslexia and other learning disabilities through our podcasts, videos and blogs. Now we are using art to help us share stories and express ourselves! We are excited to announce our National Self-Portrait express yourself competition to find the Faces of Dyslexia from around Australia with all medium of artwork and creative self-expression welcome including:

• selfie
• abstract
• drawing
• watercolour
• collage
• 2D or 3D whatever expresses you and your dyslexia

Why do we want you to express yourself and share your story??

Well we know that people with dyslexia have many personal strengths, however, research has shown that in spite of these strengths, those with dyslexia can face:

• Higher rates of anxiety and depression
• are 46% more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general population
• Up to 40% of incarcerated people have been identified as dyslexic

Enter Now 

and be in the running to win...

People's Choice Award 

• $500.00

Judges Award

• First prize $500.00
• Second prize $150.00
• Third Prize $50.00

Want more detail?

The Purpose of the Competition

The purpose of the art competition is to raise awareness of the unique, varied and beautiful faces that make up our dyslexic community. The competition will also help raise vital funds to help cover the operational costs of the Foundation in delivering its work. These funds will be used to continue the Foundation's commitment to raising awareness of dyslexia through direct action and education and supporting those with dyslexia to recognise and celebrate their strengths.

The Foundation also gives young people and adults a platform to share their lived experience of dyslexia and other learning disabilities. We uses storytelling, via a blog, to give people a voice, empowering young people and adults with dyslexia to reach their full potential.  

Competition Categories

Entries may be submitted in either one, or both, of the following categories:

Category A: Judges Award

The Foundation is pleased to announce the first two judges:

Travis Cloke,  current AFL Coach for Collingwood and ex AFL player for Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs and Dancing with the Stars Competitor and fellow dyslexic.

Ben Franklin, Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Energy for NSW. 

Trevor Watts, Queensland Member for Parliament and fellow dyslexic.

Jarrod Rawlins, Senior Curator at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) and for the Dark Mofo festival in Hobart, Tasmania.

The final judge is to be announced in the coming weeks.

How this will work:

• The panel of judges will shortlist 30 entries.
• The top 12 will be featured in our 2021 DDF ‘Faces of Dyslexia’ calendar including the People's Choice Award. All thirty entries which will then be featured, one per day, on the DDF website throughout October, which is the recognised National Dyslexia Awareness Month.

Please note the panel’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Category B: People’s Choice Award

This is the award which will raise funds for the Dear Dyslexic Foundation. Members of the public donate to the Foundation in order to vote for their favourite self-portrait. The artist whose work raises the most in donations wins the People’s Choice Award and their self-portrait will be featured in the 2021 DDF ‘Faces of Dyslexia’ Calendar.

How this will work:

• The DDF will set up a fundraising page for each entrant on its website with an image of the entrant’s self-portrait and a short bio. Entrants will be able to share the link to their self-portrait with friends and members of the public and also see a tally of how much their portrait has raised to date.
• DDF will provide each entrant with a social media pack to help promote their art. 
• All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

Conditions of Entry

The competition is now open and closes at 11.00 pm on 21 September 2020. All entries postmarked by 5 pm on 21 September 2020 will be accepted.

1. Entry is free.
2. Entrants must identify as dyslexic or having another specific learning disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia). 
3. Entries must be the original work of the entrant. (Entrants are encouraged to visit the National Portrait Gallery’s website ‘The Amazing Face’ for more information on what constitutes a self-portrait.)
4. Entrants may enter one or both of the award categories, the Judges Award and/or the People's Choice Award.
5. Entries will be accepted via email to [email protected] . Entrants should photograph their work, save it as a JPEG file and send it with a short biography of no more than 200 words (either audio or written). Entrants may use a scribe or editor.
6. Entrants who do not have access to email can post their entry to Faces of Dyslexia Portrait Competition, PO Box 5123, Moreland, Victoria, 3055. Care must be taken when packaging to avoid damage during delivery. Please ensure you include a return address so your portrait can be sent back to you after the competition.
7. Entrants should be aware their work may be published both on the DDF website and in its calendar. Entrants are encouraged to read, or listen to, the media permission section on the entry from.
8. Entrants aged 16 and under must have parental consent due to publishing requirements.

Complete entry form online or download the entry form and send the form in with your self-portrait.

If you have any questions email [email protected] 

Complete your entry form now or download it and send it in with your self-portrait.

Publishing requirements

DDF intends to publish the successful entries on both the website and in a printed calendar. As such DDF will be responsible for publishing and entries that are defamatory, profane, pornographic, will not be published. Entrants are also asked to submit their own work, and to respect the intellectual property of other artists and cultures. Click here for more information on cultural appropriateness.