Our pick of the biggest and best UK and International Art Competitions in 2024 with prizes, deadlines and entry fees…
Art competitions are not for everyone. Hockney once quipped ‘you wouldn’t call Picasso an award-winning artist, would you?’ Art awards neither make good artists nor confirm bad ones. All they attest is that a selection of judges like the work – and, if the art gods are smiling, hand over a suitcase of cash to prove it.
If you can afford the entry fees and maintain a zen-like tranquillity if your work doesn’t make the cut then you’re all set enter these art contests. If it does get selected then an exciting exhibition awaits and you can practice that astonished winner’s acceptance speech. Fingers crossed. Competitions are listed in chronological order by submission deadline date.
See also Children’s Art Competitions.
Scottish Portrait Awards (Fine Art)
Anyone living, studying or born in Scotland can enter. Touring exhibition in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Banff. Photography awards info here.
| Close: | 2nd May 2024enter now! |
| News: | Finalists selected: 31st May (At least 30 fine art submissions will be selected for the touring exhibition. All finalists will be contacted by phone or email). |
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| What: | Portraits in any 2D or 3D medium – all painting formats, all sculpture formats, collage, printmaking, weaving, or anything else – seeking diversity as well as powerful art and strong story-telling. |
| Who: | Anyone born, living or studying in Scotland (over 16 years old on 1 Sep 2023) |
| Past: | Previous winners |
| Fees: | £10 per work (Max 6. Free entry is available to anyone receiving universal credit or any form of income support) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year
Filmed in stunning locations around the UK, Landscape Artist of the Year offers artists the chance to win a £10,000 commission for a major British institution.
| Close: | 3rd May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Filming is planned to take place around the UK in Spring/Summer 2024. |
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| What: | Landscape painting in any material excluding photography, video, sculpture and digital media. |
| Who: | UK Residents (for at least 1 year, over 16) |
| Fees: | No Entry Fee (1 maximum) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Ilminster Art Centre Open
Summer exhibition celebrating the work of established and emerging artists living and working in the South West of England.
| Close: | 3rd May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | If you are successful in round one you will be informed via email by 31st May. |
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| Show: | Ilminster Arts Centre, Ilminster (11 June – 5 July) |
| What: | Paintings, original prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and textiles, but not photography. |
| Who: | Artists living and working in the South West of England. |
| Past: | 2023 Winners |
| Fees: | £25 for 1 work, £35 for 2 (£15 for students & recent graduates) |
| Site: | Enter here |
COAL Prize 2024
Inviting artists from around the world to explore the crossover of art and ecology since 2010 – this year’s theme is ‘Being Transformative’ with a €12,000 first prize.
| Close: | 5th May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Announcement of nominees: July 2024. Award ceremony: November 2024. |
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| What: | Theme: ‘Being Transformative’. “At a time when knowledge alone is no longer enough to motivate action, the Prix COAL 2024 calls for transformation from within, of the senses, of care, of the self with others. It’s a call to see culture as the breeding ground for our relationship with nature and, by the same token, our greatest asset in bringing about radical, sustainable change.” |
| Who: | UK & international artists |
| Past: | 2023 Winners and Nominees. |
| Fees: | No entry fee |
| Site: | Enter here |
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Wells Art Contemporary
International art competition giving artists the opportunity to exhibit their work at Wells Cathedral in a Gallery show and Installation show.
| Close: | 9th May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Deadline for site specific installations is 11th March. |
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| Show: | Wells Cathedral, Somerset (3 – 31 Aug 2024) |
| What: | Any medium – painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, installation or video. Installation applications here. |
| Who: | UK & international artists (18+) |
| Past: | Last year’s winners |
| Fees: | £20 per work (£12 per work for current fine art students aged under 26) |
| Site: | Enter here |
The Homiens Art Prize
International art prize awarding $24,000 annually, open to all artists and art forms, offering support for artists, awarded every two months.
| Close: | 14th May 2024enter now! |
| News: | Applicants will be notified by email in May. Closing date extended from 30th April. |
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| Show: | Online exhibition for at least 18 selected artists. |
| What: | All art forms, any theme. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Past: | Previous winners |
| Fees: | $20 USD for 1-3 artworks |
| Site: | Enter here |
Art as a Response to Mental Health
Online exhibition as part of Doncaster Art Fair invites submissions for its 5th edition from aspiring and established artists worldwide.
| Close: | 20th May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist date TBA |
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| Show: | Online exhibition opens: 3rd June 2024 |
| What: | “As the global conversation around mental health continues to evolve, art has emerged as a powerful medium for self-expression. This exhibition celebrates the unique stories and perspectives of individuals who navigate their mental well-being through artistic channels. We invite you to be a part of this collective expression. Supported by the Doncaster Council for the past four years, this online exhibition has garnered thousands of visits from across the globe. At Doncaster Art Fair, we recognise the vital role that art plays in shaping societal dialogue, fostering mental health, and contributing to overall well-being. This opportunity is extended to those who have found solace and strength in art as a response to mental health challenges.” |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Fees: | Free to enter (artists will be charged a £30 participation fee if selected) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Combine24 Art Competition
Create a new generative artwork that innovatively uses the copyright-free, CC0-licensed artwork collection of the Finnish National Gallery.
| Close: | 31st May 2024enter now! |
| News: | 10 artworks will be selected to take part in phase II of the competition by the end of June 2024. |
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| What: | Explore the collection of the Finnish National Gallery and read the competition programme and rules. Create your generative artwork and turn it into a generative art collection on highlight.xyz. Deploy it through sepolia testnet. Enter your submission to the contest through the website submission form. Submitted artworks must be created using an algorithm governed by artist-defined rules and parameters, generating dynamic variations. . Read the FAQs for more info. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Fees: | Free to enter |
| Site: | Enter here |
The Gallery at Green & Stone Summer Exhibition
The sixth annual Summer Exhibition at The Gallery has more prizes, more space, and a solo show opportunity at Green & Stone’s London gallery.
| Close: | 15th May 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Pre-selected artists notified: 24th May 2024. |
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| Show: | The Gallery at Green & Stone, Fulham Road, London (30 Jul – 30 Aug 2024) |
| What: | Open to 2D & 3D works that must be available for sale from June to September 2023, and made in the last three years. Works should not exceed 100cm x 100cm or been exhibited in London already. All mediums are welcome, including but not limited to: painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, photography, print and textile. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Past: | Last year’s Summer Exhibition |
| Fees: | £20 per work, £15 for young artists under 30 (max 3 artworks) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Small But Mighty
Established by the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers at the Bankside Gallery to showcase the best in contemporary printmaking across all techniques.
| Close: | 3rd June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Results posted on website by 6pm on 25 July. |
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| Show: | Bankside Gallery, London (19-29 Sep 2024) |
| What: | Small But Mighty showcases all forms of printmaking and highlights the powerful, ambitious and impressive nature of works created on a small scale. The size limit for works in this exhibition is 50cm on the longest edge (including framing). |
| Who: | UK & International artists (18 and over) |
| Fees: | £16 per work (max 6 works, students £10 per work) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
Founded in 1994 as the Rexel Derwent Open then Jerwood Drawing Prize. Holds the largest prize fund celebrating drawing practice in the UK.
| Close: | 12th June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlisted drawings will be announced on 19 July 2024. |
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| Show: | Trinity Buoy Wharf, London (3–18 October 2024) |
| What: | Any media considered as drawing. Only drawings made since January 2023 are eligible for entry. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Past: | 2023 winners |
| Fees: | 1 work: £30, 2 works: £45, 3 works: £55 (students £18/£25/£30) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Tabernacle Art Competition
Annual exhibition at MOMA Machynlleth, 2024 theme: ‘On a Windy Day’. Artists can enter one piece of new work inspired by the theme.
| Close: | 14th June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlisted artists will be notified by mail. Works must be delivered between 10-14 June in person or by carrier. |
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| Show: | Selected works to be displayed at MOMA Machynlleth (22 Jun – 4 Sep 2024) |
| What: | Any 2D work, including photography. Max size with frame: 36 x 48 inches. Theme: “On a windy day”. |
| Who: | UK & International artists (winners must be able to get their work to museum between 10-14 June 2024) |
| Past: | Last year’s winners |
| Fees: | Adult entry fee: £17.50. Under 18 entry fee: £5. (Max 1 work. Purhcase entry in advance here) |
| Site: | Enter here |
RSA MacRobert Art Award
£20,000 annual award for Scottish born or based mid-career painters to enable a 12-month period of research and development.
| Close: | 23rd June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Winner announced by end of Autumn 2024. |
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| Show: | Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2024 dates TBC) |
| What: | Any water-based medium. |
| Who: | The award is for Fine Art (Painting) of any medium or subject. Entrants must be born or living in Scotland, at least 10 years after graduation or after 10 years of substantive practice. |
| Past: | 2023 Winner |
| Fees: | No entry fee |
| Site: | Enter here |
The Hari Art Prize
Third edition of the free to enter art prize for current and recent UK art graduates. Collaboration between The Hari luxury hotel and A Space For Art.
| Close: | 23rd June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlisted artists will be contacted in August and invited to exhibit at The Hari in September. |
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| Show: | VIP Awards Event and exhibition The Hari, London (Nov 2024) |
| What: | Any media |
| Who: | Applicants who have graduated within the last five years (2019-2024) from UK art colleges, OR Art Students who are currently studying at a UK Art College. |
| Past: | 2023 shortlist and winner |
| Fees: | No entry fee |
| Site: | Enter here |
Women In Art Prize
Formerly the Hollybush Painting Prize – celebrating women painters, photographers, illustrators & printmakers culminating in a London exhibition.
| Close: | 30th June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Longlist announced: 30th July, Shortlist: 16th August. |
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| Show: | London exhibition for 22 finalists (location/dates TBA) |
| What: | Painters, Photographers, Illustrators and Printmakers. Work must have been completed in the last two years. (Max size: 100cm wide x 130cm. All work must be for sale. Commission on sales is 35%) |
| Who: | Any female artist age 18 and over living and working in the UK (Overseas artists may enter to win the Prize for Best Overseas Artist) |
| Past: | 2023 winner. |
| Fees: | £25 (allows up to 2 artworks, £15 for students) |
| Site: | Enter here |
The Almenara Art Prize
International representational painting competition with more than €27,000 in cash awards and other prizes.
| Close: | 30th June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Notification of accepted works: 15th September, 2024. |
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| Show: | Online exhibition, physical exhibition in Cordoba, Spain – 1st to 31st November, 2024. |
| What: | Figurative paintings, from Hyperrealism to Impressionism. That includes Hyperrealism, Photorealism, contemporary realism, imaginative Realism, Surrealism, Impressionism, Plein Air Painting and any kind of representational painting. Medium: Oil, Pastel, Acrylic ,watercolor, graphite, acrylic, charcoal, pencil, ink, colored pencils, gouache, tempera and all traditional mediums. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Fees: | €45 for 1 artwork (+€29 per additional artwork, 1 artwork is €29 for 18-25 year olds) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Sketch For Survival
More than 44,000 species are threatened with extinction, submit your animal or wildlife art for exhibition & auction to help raise funds & awareness.
| Close: | 30th June 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Longlist Announced Midday Thursday 11 July. |
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| What: | Original signed two-dimensional A4 or A3 size work. Your artwork should fulfil the criteria by featuring a threatened species or at-risk wild space. Sketch for Survival use the IUCN red list of Threatened Species, the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species, as a guide to which species are considered ‘threatened’. |
| Show: | Gallery@Oxo, London (30 Oct – 17 Nov) and Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh (17-19 Oct) |
| Who: | UK & International artists of any age |
| Site: | Enter here |
Embracing Our Differences
Annual international outdoor juried art exhibit for adults and children featuring 50 billboard-size images celebrating diversity and inclusion.
| Close: | 2nd July 2024 enter now! |
| News: | The 50 artists selected to exhibit will be notified by email, date TBA. |
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| Show: | Multiple locations in Southwest Florida (Jan-Apr 2025) |
| What: | Artists are asked to submit their interpretation of the theme “embracing our differences.” Your art should be horizontal and fit an aspect ratio of 12.8” (325.12 mm) wide by 8.8” (223.52 mm) high. |
| Who: | UK & International artists of all ages |
| Past: | 2023 Exhibitors |
| Fees: | Free to enter |
| Site: | Enter here |
Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize
International art prize from Australian based magazine Beautiful Bizarre for traditional and digital representational artists and photographers.
| Close: | 17th July 2024 enter now! |
| Date: | Shortlist of 140 Finalists announced between 13-17 August. |
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| Show: | Modern Eden Gallery, San Francisco (9 Nov – 5 Dec) |
| What: | Entries in any medium or style of static visual ‘Representational Art’ |
| Who: | UK and international artists of all ages |
| Past: | Article on Winners and Honourable Mentions 2023 |
| Fees: | $40 entry fee (US Dollars) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Art Unlimited Open Art Competition
Open to artists from all countries working in any medium, with a top prize of £5,000 and solo exhibition at Art Unlimited, Bridport.
| Close: | 31st July 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist announced on website: 16th August 2024. |
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| Show: | Art Unlimited, Bridport, Dorset (10 – 22 Sep 2024) |
| What: | Any art piece is eligible regardless of medium or style. No prints, copies, reproductions, or photographs of the pieces are eligible (photographs will be accepted if that is the artwork). |
| Who: | UK & International artists (2 categories: 15-18 and over 18s) |
| Jury: | Jussi Pylkkänen (Art Dealer & Global President of Christie’s Auction House), Lady Victoria Conran (multi-disciplined art expert), Pippa Walker (Lecturer on Foundation Diploma and Degree in Art and Design at Weymouth College), Richard Vine (Head of Art at Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis). |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Fees: | Adults entry: £15, Under 18s: £10.00 (to submit up to 5 works) |
| Site: | Enter here |
scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024
€5,000 and a free exhibitions of your art at major international art fairs like Discovery Art Fair Frankfurt, World Art Dubai and Florence Biennale.
| Close: | 31st August 2024 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist Announcement: 16th September 2024. |
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| Show: | Bakerhouse Gallery, Austria (October 2024) |
| What: | Artists in the early stages of establishing their artistic career – various artistic mediums eligible, such as painting, photography, mixed media, and other innovative forms of expression. |
| Who: | UK & International artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | Application fee: €30(allows up to 3 artworks) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Highland Art Prize
Annual prize promoting Highland art on a national scale and raising the profile of local artists working across the Highlands and Islands.
| Close: | 15th September 2024 enter now! |
| News: | The winning artwork will be selected during the course of the Royal National Mòd week, to be announced at a prize giving ceremony on 18th October 2024. |
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| Show: | The Briggait, Glasgow (2025) |
| What: | Only two-dimensional artwork can be accepted and should have been completed in the preceding 12 months; photographic work is not eligible. |
| Who: | Artists working across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. |
| Fees: | Free to enter |
| Site: | Enter here |
Anthology Art Competition
Anthology Magazine’s annual award to foster and support both established and emerging visual artists and provide a platform for publication.
| Close: | 31st October 2024 enter now! |
| News: | All entrants will be notified of the result by email. |
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| What: | Open to multiple genres including painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography and digital media. Work will be accepted on any theme. It is not a requirement, but is advisable that work submitted is aligned with the aesthetic of Anthology magazine. |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Past: | 2022 winner |
| Fees: | Very Early Bird: €10 – to 31 March 2024, Early Bird: €12 – April–June 2024, Standard: €18 – July–October 2024 |
| Site: | Enter here |
Currently Closed
The following art competitions are closed for entries. They’re moved up to the open list when their call for entries goes out.
Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition
The RSMA seeks submissions of art inspired by the sea and marine environment, in short anything that involves tidal water.
| Close: | opens 29th April currently closed |
| News: | Notification of selection: Friday 11 August, 12 noon. Last closed: 28th October 2023. |
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| Show: | Mall Galleries, London (21-30 Sep 2023) |
| What: | Oil, acrylic, watercolour, original prints of any media, mixed media, drawings, pastels, or sculpture. All work must be for sale, price should include commission of 45%+VAT. |
| Who: | UK and international artists (18+) |
| Fees: | £20 per work, £14 if under 35 (max 6 artworks) |
| Site: | Enter here |
East London Art Prize
Designed to showcase the talent of artists working and living in east London, run by affordable studio provider Bow Arts.
| Close: | TBA opens Spring 2024 |
| News: | Shortlist date TBA. Last closed: 31st August 2022 |
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| Show: | Nunnery Gallery (2023) |
| What: | Any media. |
| Who: | East London based artists living or working within an ‘E’ postcode, encompassing E1-E20, SE1-SE28 and EC1-EC4. |
| Fees: | £10 entry fee (£7 concession for students, those on job seekers allowance or over 65s) |
| Site: | Enter here |
AIR Open
Open call for the Summer Exhibition from the contemporary gallery and exhibition space based in Altrincham, England.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | Shortlist: 5th July 2023. Last closed: 25th June 2023. |
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| Show: | AIR Gallery, Altrincham (10 Aug – 30 Sep 2023) |
| What: | Any media |
| Who: | UK & International artists |
| Fees: | £5 per work (max 3) |
| Site: | Enter here |
The Signature Art Prize
Open to art students currently studying and recent graduates from an arts-based degree within the last 3 years.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | 45 shortlisted artists announced & Peoples’ Choice Awardopens on 15th April 2022. Last closed: 22nd November 2022 |
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| Show: | Bankside Hotel, London June 2022 |
| What: | Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Digital & Film, Drawing & Printmaking |
| Who: | UK and International artists (current art students and graduates from the last 3 years) |
| Fees: | No Entry Fee (max: 1 artwork) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Bath Society Of Artists Open Exhibition
The Competition is open to all UK artists working in drawing, painting or mixed media. £4,000 prize fund and exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | Last open call: 3rd Feb – 17th March 2023 |
| Prize: |
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| Show: | Victoria Art Gallery, Bath (dates TBA) |
| What: | Entries may include paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints or mixed media |
| Who: | UK based artists (18+) |
| Fees: | £15 for first work (£27 for 2 artworks, £5 each for 18-25 year olds, max 2 artworks) |
| Site: | Enter here |
Brewers Towner International
Biennial exhibition of contemporary art in all media by British and International artists at Towner Eastbourne with a £10,000 prize.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| Date: | Shortlist: 11th April 2022, Last closed: 31st January 2022 |
| Prize: |
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| Show: | Towner Eastbourne, Eastbourne (October 2022 to end of January 2023) |
| What: | Any medium. All works submitted must have been completed in the last 2 years (after 2019). Theme: SANCTUARY – which can be interpreted as a physical space, a place offering safe haven, asylum or refuge; it can be understood as an area or environment where endangered species are protected, diverse ecosystems flourish and wildlife is preserved; it can also suggest a space of the imagination, a meditative mental space of solace and respite from the exterior world. |
| Who: | UK and inter |