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UK Art Competitions

Our pick of the biggest and best UK and International Art Competitions in 2023-2024 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 UK art competitions. 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.

VAO 2024

Visual Art Open

The ninth year of the not-for-profit event open to both amateur and professional artists based in the UK and internationally.

Close:14th December 2023 enter now!
News:Longlisted Artists Announced – July 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000 (plus London solo show, annual mentorship programme, VAA Premium Annual Membership, Momentum Programme, Art Supplies)
  • Category Winners: £250 (Painting/Mixed Media/Printmaking, Illustration/Drawing, Sculpture, Photography/Digital Art, Young Artist 16-24)
Show:London exhibition November 2024
What:Drawing, printing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture and video
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:View all 2023 winners
Fees:£20 for 1 artwork (+£10 per additional artwork, 5 works maximum, £5 discount for under 24s)
Site:Enter here

G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation Art Prize

G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation Art Prize

3 selected artists will each receive an award of €7,000 plus €5,000 construction fee to create wall mounted work for Minos Palace in Crete.

Close:15th December 2023enter now!
News:Shortlist: TBA.
Prize:
  • 3 Awards of: €7,000 (Each of the three selected proposals will be awarded 7,000 euros, and an additional 5,000 euros will be made available to each artist for the construction of the work. Shipping costs, return ticket to Crete and accommodation and meals at Minos Palace will also be covered.)
Show:Minos Palace, Agios Nikolaos, Crete (Summer 2024)
What:Open call for site specific, wall-mounted works created to be part of a specific, configured environment; works which narrate an internal path/route, and which can be reference points-landmarks within their exhibition space. Visual artists of the following fields: painting, sculpture, sound and sculptural installation, mixed media, printmaking, digital art, photographic print, ink print, video, installation, and drawing. Particular emphasis is placed on the theme of care.
Who:UK & International artists
Past:Previous winners
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

>FluxusMuseum Prize for Experimental Video

FluxusMuseum Prize for Experimental Video

Selected proposals will be commissioned and featured in the first video exhibition at FluxusMuseum on the Cycladic island of Paros, Greece.

Close:15th December 2023 enter now!
News:Prizes will be awarded by 1st August 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €10,000
  • Second Prize x 2: €5,000 (2 artists will each receive €5,000)
  • Selected works: €600 (commission fee for selected works)
Show:FluxusMuseum, Paros, Greece (July – August 2024)
What:Films meeting the prize’s requirements must be up to 25 minutes in length with no minimum length; be experimental in the spirit of the Fluxus group; and can be with or without audio.
Who:UK & International artists of any age
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Derwent Art Prize

Derwent Art Prize

An annual prize totalling £13,000 showcasing the best 2D & 3D artworks created in pencil or coloured pencil, water soluble, pastel, graphite or charcoal.

Close:4th January 2024 enter now!
News:Selected artists will be notified by 22 January 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £4,000 (plus up to £600 of Derwent products)
  • Second Prize: £2,000
  • Young Artist First Prize: £4,000 (25 years and under)
  • Young Artist Second Prize: £2,000
  • People’s Choice Award: £500
  • New Artist Award: £500
Show:Gallery@Oxo, London (4-14 April 2024)
What:2D and 3D work created in pencil (including water-soluble, pastel, graphite, charcoal or coloured pencils). Mixed media works are eligible but the main component must be pencil or one of the media previously listed. Work must not exceed 182cm.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:The previous edition received a record 6,100 artworks from 43 countries! View the 2022 Prize Winners
Fees:£15 for first work (£5 for each additional entry, maximum 6. Artists under 25 pay £5 per work)
Site:Enter here

Society of Graphic Fine Art

Society of Graphic Fine Art

103rd Annual Open Exhibition in London from the Society of Graphic Fine Art with an emphasis on excellence in drawing and draughtsmanship.

Close:5th January 2024 enter now!
News:Selection Notification: 16 February 2024
Prize:
  • Prize Fund: £2,000+ (prizes and amounts to be confirmed)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (11-16 Mar 2024)
What:Drawings in any medium, monochrome or colour – pencil, coloured pens and pencils, pen and ink, pastels and oil pastels, charcoal, conté, etc. Any work based on photographs must have the photographer’s permission.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:2023 finalists: Members, Non-Members.
Fees:Free for members, non-members: £20 per artwork, up to 5 artworks
Site:Enter here
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RWS Open

Royal Watercolour Society Open

Formerly known as the Contemporary Watercolour Competition, the RWS Open is the largest open-submission water-media exhibition in the world.

Close:8th January 2024 enter now!
News:Results announced via email: 31st January 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000
  • RWS Award: £250
  • New Graduate Award: £250
Show:Bankside Gallery, London (8-24 March 2024)
What:Works made in all water-based media including (but not limited to) watercolour, acrylic, ink, gouache, and mixed media pieces featuring non-water-based materials as long as a water-based-media is included.
Who:UK & International artists (age 18 and over)
Past:Selected works from 2023 exhibition
Fees:£15 per work, discounts for 3-6, £5 for students, free for members (max 6)
Site:Enter here

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Royal Society of British Artists

Royal Society of British Artists

Invites painters, sculptors and printmakers to submit work for the RBA’s Annual Exhibition with a £10,000 grand prize and £10,000 worth of other prizes.

Close:10th January 2024 enter now!
News:Selection notification: 19th January, 12 noon.
Prize:
  • Huaicun Zhang Award: £10,000 (prize donated by Huaicun Zhang Hon RBA for her choice of an outstanding work in the exhibition)
  • Whistler Award: £3,000
  • de Laszlo Foundation Prize: £2,000 (awarded to an artist aged 35 or under for the best work from life)
  • Surgeon’s Prize: £500
  • John Lynn Young Artist Prize: £500
  • Winsor & Newton Painting Award: £500 (art materials value)
  • Michael Harding Award: £500 (art materials value)
  • Peter Kelly Prize: £300
  • Ronald Morgan Memorial Award: £250
  • Stuart Southall Print Prize: £250
  • Hahnemuhle Fine Art UK Award: £250 (artist paper value)
  • Nathan David Award for Sculpture: £150
  • Various other awards and prizes.
Show:Mall Galleries, London (29 Feb – 9 Mar 2024)
What:Acceptable media: Painting, sculpture, drawing and original prints.
Who:UK and international artists (18+)
Past:View the 2023 RBA Bicentennial Exhibition.
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 35 (max 6 artworks, includes £5 entry fee to exhibition)
Site:Enter here

Rome Scholarship

RBA Rome Scholarship & RISING STARS Exhibition

Opportunity for a UK based artist aged 18-35 to win £5,000 and stay for a month at ‘Sala Uno’, a prestigious gallery in the centre of Rome.

Close:10th January 2024 enter now!
News:40 semi-finalists for the RBA Rome Scholarship will be selected for the Rising Stars exhibition.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £5,000 (£5,000 prize money plus 4 weeks accommodation at Sala Uno gallery and arts centre in Rome. Staying in a self-contained apartment within an extensive walled garden in the grounds of the gallery. Studio space within the gallery. Two meals per day from a nearby restaurant. Return flights to Rome.)
  • 2 x Runners-Up Prizes: £1,000
Show:Rising Stars exhibition at Royal Over-Seas League, Mayfair, London (26 April – 7 July 2024)
What:The applicant’s work needs to be figurative. The work may be painting, drawing, printmaking or sculpture.
Who:Artists aged 18-35 who live, work or study in the UK.
Past:2023 RBA Rising Stars Exhibition.
Fees:£10 (administration fee)
Site:Enter here

RSA Residencies for Scotland

RSA Residencies for Scotland

Artist-led scheme providing funds of up to £5,000 for valuable research and residency opportunities for Scottish born/based artists.

Close:14th January 2024 enter now!
News:Successful applications will be announce by the end of May 2024.
Prize:
  • Awards up to: £5,000 (for artists to undertake a residency at venues situated across Scotland)
What:Open to visual artists at all stages of their careers, the emphasis is on enabling a period of research, development and production, as well as on the acquisition and exchange of new skills and experiences. Artists can apply for funds of up to £5,000 and are responsible for managing their own residency, in discussion with the partner venue.
Who:Artists must be currently living and working in Scotland, and have been for at least the last 3 years consecutively, OR be Scottish by birth. Not open to those in full time education.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

HSF Portrait Award

Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award

A welcome return for the previously named BP Portrait Award to the National Portrait Gallery showcasing the best in contemporary portrait painting.

Close:16th January 2024 enter now!
News:All entrants will be notified if their work has been selected for the second round of judging by 2nd February 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £35,000
  • Second Prize: £12,000
  • Third Prize: £10,000
  • Young Artist Award: £9,000 (age 30 and under)
Show:National Portrait Gallery, London (11 July – 27 October 2024)
What:The work entered must be predominantly painted in oil, tempera or acrylic and must be on a stretcher or board, preferably framed and unglazed. No watercolours, works on paper or pastels will be considered. The work entered should be a painting based on a sitting or study from life and the human figure must predominate. Self-portraits and group portraits are permitted. Eligible works must have been completed from 1 January 2020 – 16 January 2024.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:Last held as the BP Portrait Award in 2020 – View Prize Winners
Fees:£35 (1 work maximum)
Site:Enter here

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

Royal Society Of Portrait Painters Award

Annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in Central London will bring together over 200 portraits competing for a share of the £43,000 prize fund.

Close:26th January 2024 enter now!
News:Notification of pre-selection: 12 noon, 7th February
Prize:
  • William Lock Prize: £20,000 (most timeless portrait with a real feeling for paint and its aesthetic potential)
  • Ondaatje Prize: £10,000 (most distinguished portrait in exhibition)
  • The de Laszlo Foundation Award: £3000 (best portrait by artist 35 and under)
  • Prince of Wales Award: £2000 (for portrait drawing)
  • RP Prize: £2000 (for best small portrait 15″ x 12″ max)
  • Burke’s Peerage Foundation Award: £2000 (classically inspired portraiture)
  • Contemporary Arts Trust Award: £1000 (most deserving artist)
  • Smallwood Architects Prize: £1000 (architectural or interior features play important part)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (9-18 May 2024)
What:Paintings, drawings and original prints – including digital/iPad prints. No sculpture or photography.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:View the 2023 online exhibition and 2023 prize winners
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 35 (includes admission to the exhibition, normally £5)
Site:Enter here

Waverton Art Prize

The Waverton Art Prize

Founded in 2022 as a platform for emerging talent, under the age of 40, to invest time and resources into developing their vocation.

Close:31st January 2024 enter now!
News:Shortlist selected February 2024.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000 (cash prize will be awarded to an overall winner selected by a panel of four judges)
  • Waverton Acquisition Award: (Waverton will purchase one piece of art from the full catalogue of entries)
Show:The Gallery Room, Boisdale of Canary Wharf, London (March 2024)
What:All 2D media, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Collage, Textiles, Collage, Digital Print. Submitted works must not exceed 50x40cm, inclusive of frame.
Who:UK based artists under the age of 40.
Past:View the 2022 prize winner
Fees:£12 entry fee
Site:Enter here

Portrait Artist of the Year Series 11

Sky Portrait Artist of the Year

If you’re game for taking part in the eleventh portrait painting series on Sky Arts you could be in front of the cameras at Battersea Arts Centre this Spring.

Close:2nd February 2024 enter now!
News:Filming in March-April 2024 at Battersea Arts Centre.
Prize:
  • First Prize Commission: £10,000 (plus £500 art materials from Cass Art)
What:Submit a self portrait produced within the last five years and up to two further works. Any media excluding photography, video, sculpture and digital media.
Who:UK Residents age 16 and over (resident in the UK, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland)
Past:Interviews by Cass Art with previous series winners
Fees:No Entry Fee
Site:Enter here

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

One of the longest standing UK art prizes at over 200 years old! Celebrates the best in contemporary watercolour and watermedia painting.

Close:2nd February 2024enter now!
News:Log in to the OESS from 12 noon on 16th February to see if your work has been selected.
Prize:
  • Winsor & Newton Award: £3,000
  • Winsor & Newton Product Prize: £1,000 (worth of art materials)
  • Leathersellers’ Prize: £1,000 (for artists aged 18 to 30)
  • President’s Choice Award: £750
  • James Fletcher-Watson RI Award:: £500 (for the best use of watercolour in the exhibition)
  • Baohong Artists’ Watercolour Paper Prizes: £250 (2 x £250 prizes)
  • Richard Plincke RI Prize for Colour: £250 (for creative use of colour)
  • Chaoshan Watercolour Award: £250 (for the best classically inspired watercolour)
  • Cass Art Prize: £200 (for the most innovative use of colour)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (28 Mar – 13 Apr 2024)
What:Watercolour or water-soluble mediums including watercolour, acrylic, ink or gouache (excluding water-soluble oils) painted on paper or paper based support.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:View the 2023 online exhibition and prize winners
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 36 (max 6 artworks)
Site:Enter here

BBA Artist Prize 2024

BBA Artist Prize 2024

Opportunity for artists worldwide to exhibit in the fantastic city of Berlin during one of the biggest events for contemporary art in Germany.

Close:19th February 2024 enter now!
News:Longlist announced 2-6 weeks after deadline.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €1,000 (Solo show at BBA Gallery in 2025)
  • Second Prize: €700 (Artsy profile + online solo show)
  • Third Prize: €500 (Artsy profile + online solo show)
  • Audience Award: €500 (Artsy profile + online solo show)
Show:Kühlhaus Berlin (20+ artists selected for group show in May 2024)
What:Any medium including sculpture and original prints. “Visual excellence, storytelling, conceptual thinking, technical craftsmanship, subject depth, and understanding – these are just a few aspects that our jury of industry professionals will take into consideration.”
Who:UK and international artists (18+)
Past:Last year’s winners and exhibition
Fees:€29 entry fee (max 5 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Jackson’s Painting Prize 2024

Jackson’s Painting Prize

Open to artists from around the world this brilliantly run art competition showcases original, 2D works in any painting, print or drawing media.

Close:1st March 2024 enter now!
News:You will receive an email to confirm whether your entry has been successful between the 1st – 4th May.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £5,000 (plus £2,000 of Jackson’s art materials)
  • Second Prize: £3,000 (plus £1,000 art materials)
  • Runner Up (x3): £1,000 (worth of art materials)
  • Judge’s Choice (x6): £1,000 (worth of art materials)
  • People’s Choice Award: £1,000 (worth of art materials)
  • Eight Materials Awards: (art materials awards for following categories: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Drawing, Pastel, Relief Print, Intaglio Print, Planographic Print)
Show:Affordable Art Fair (8–12 May 2024), Hampstead & Bankside Gallery, by Tate Modern (30 July – 4 August 2024)
What:Paintings, drawings, original prints.
Jury:Tracey Emin CBE, Matthew Burrows MBE, Alayo Akinkugbe, Charlotte Sorapure, Hugo Barclay, Melissa Ling.
Who:UK & International artists (any age)
Past:View 2023 Winner here, View 2023 People’s Choice, Amateur Artist & Student Award Winners here, View 2023 Materials & Subject Winners here.
Fees:£6 per work (max 5)
Site:Enter here

Contextile 2024

Contextile 2024 – Contemporary Textile Art Biennial

Call for international textile artists for exhibition that will occupy the various cultural spaces and public areas of Guimaraes, Portugal.

Close:8th March 2024 enter now!
News:Results announced on website: 17th April 2024.
Prize:
  • Acquisition Prize: €7,000
  • ATP Acquisition Prize: €2,500 (and two Honourable Mention prizes)
Show:Guimaraes, Portugal (50 artists selected for exhibition, 7 Sep – 15 Dec 2024)
What:Work based around the textile element, through its concept, theme, techniques or materials. Theme: To TOUCH. More on the theme here.
Who:UK & International artists (18+)
Fees:Registration Fee: €10.00
Site:Enter here

TALP Open 2024

TALP Open Art Competition

Organised by The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines in partnership with Patchings Art Centre with prizes worth over £19,000.

Close:9th April 2024 enter now!
News:Successful entrants will be notified in mid-May.
Prize:
  • The Artist Purchase Prize: £3,000 (One prize to purchase a work up to the value of £3,000)
  • Patchings Award: £350 (gift voucher for Patchings Art Centre)
  • Clairefontaine Awards: £250 (2 prizes of £250 worth of art products)
  • Caran d’Ache/Jakar Awards: £250 (2 prizes of £250 worth of art materials)
  • St Cuthberts Mill Awards: £200 (3 prizes of £200 worth of watercolour paper)
  • Daler-Rowney Awards: £200 (3 prizes of £200 worth of art materials)
  • Search Press Awards: £175 2 prizes of £175 worth of art books)
  • Lots more prizes, full list here.
Show:Patchings Art Centre, Nottingham (70 works selected in each category, 11 July to 11 August 2024)
What:2D works in any media including drawings, paintings, printmaking and digital artwork from amateur painters in the Leisure Painter category, and from more experienced and professional artists in The Artist category.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:TALP Open 2023
Fees:Up to 3 artworks: £25, up to six artworks: £45
Site:Enter here

Landscape Artist of the Year Series 9

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.
Prize:
  • First Prize Commission: £10,000 (plus £500 art materials from Cass Art)
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

Almenara Art Prize

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.
Prize:
  • Purchase Award: €10,000 (Best in Show. The winner will receive €10,000 for the awarded work)
  • Travel Award (value): €9,000 (10 days stay at luxury resort on south coast of Spain for up to 6 people (€5,000 value) and €4,000 project related to portraiture/figurative painting)
  • Purchase Award: €4,000 (for an artwork that transmits strong feelings or emotions in the viewer)
  • 7 Category Winners: €500 (Figurative, Still Life, Portrait, Drawing, Landscape & Plein Air, Wildlife & Animal, Fantastic Realism)
  • Young Award: €500 (€500 plus artist residency and exhibition)
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

Embracing Our Differences

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.
Prize:
  • Best Adult: $2,000
  • Best Student: $2,000
  • People’s Choice: $2,000
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


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.

New English Art Club

New English Art Club Annual Exhibition

Annual exhibition celebrating figurative, observational and painterly work with a strong emphasis on drawing.

Close:TBA opens 11th December
News:Check website from 12 noon on Friday 17 March to see if your work has been pre-selected. Last closed: 10th March 2023.
Prize:
  • Doreen McIntosh Prize: £2,500 (for figurative work showing rigour, visual engagement & searching attitude)
  • Val Harris Prize: £2,000
  • Hermione Hammond Award: £2,000 (for drawing by an artist aged 35 or under)
  • Bowyer Drawing Prize: £500
  • Milner Prize for an Emerging Artist £500
  • Winsor & Newton Award: £500 (of art materials)
  • Peter Ashley Framing Prize: £500 (bespoke handmade picture frame will be created for the winning work, to the value of £500)
  • Michael Harding Award: £500 (of art materials)
  • NEC Critics Prize: £250
Show:Mall Galleries, London (23 Jun – 1 Jul 2023)
What:Paintings, drawings, pastels, original framed prints (excluding photography and sculpture).
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 35 (max 6)
Site:Enter here

Society of Women Artists

Society of Women Artists Open Exhibition

The 163rd Annual Open Exhibition celebrating women artists takes place at the Mall Galleries, London in June 2024.

Close:12th of March 2024 opens 12th December 2023
News:Visit the SWA website on 29th March to see if selected.
Prize:
  • Tom Urwin Fine Art Award: £2,000
  • Circles of Art Award: £1,000 (£500 each for two artists aged 35 or under)
  • Karin Walker Young Artist Awards: £500 (£500 each for two artists aged 35 or under)
  • Derwent Special Fine Art Awards: £500 (£500 of art materials for an under 35 and established artist)
  • Helen Sinclair Sculpture Award: £500
  • Catto Gallery Award: £500 (and exhibiting opportunity)
  • Cass Art Award: £250 (£250 of art materials)
  • Jackson’s People’s Choice Award: £150 (of art materials)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (25-29 June 2024)
What:Painting, pastels, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, in all media; engraving, lithography, and ceramics, glass and metal not of a utilitarian nature.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:£18 per work, £9 if under 35 (max 6)
Site:Enter here

RSA Annual Exhibition

RSA Annual Exhibition – Open Art

Now in its 197th year, the exhibition provides a platform for contemporary painting, sculpture, film, printmaking, photography and installation.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Pre-selection announced: from midday 24th March 2023. Last closed: 26th February 2023.
Prize:
  • RSA Guthrie Award: £750 (for work by a Scottish artist under 35)
  • RSA Maud Gemmell Hutchison Bequest: 2 x £600 (for the two best paintings or drawings of animals)
  • RSA Open Exhibition Prize: £500 (for an artist of any age working in any medium)
  • And several other prizes of £250 based on recent awards
Show:Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (6 May – 11 June 2023)
What:All media (Works must be for sale, 40% commission charge + VAT)
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:£20 per work, £10 students (max 2)
Site:Enter here

Summer Exhibition 2023

RA Summer Exhibition 2024

The largest open-submission art exhibition in the world. Limited to 16,500 total entries (yep, they all fill up!) and a prize fund of over £50,000.

Close:TBA opens January 2024
News:Up to 4,000 entries will be shortlisted, announced by email in early April 2023. Last closed: 14th February 2023.
Prize:
  • (2023 prizes to be announced, 2022 prizes below)
  • Charles Wollaston Award: £25,000
  • Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture: £10,000
  • Thomas Burberry Prize for Print: £10,000
  • British Institution Awards for Students: £5,000 + £3,000
  • Hugh Casson Drawing Prize: £5,000
  • CDUK award for Architecture: £5,000
  • Sunny Dupree Family Award for a Woman Artist: £4,000
  • The Arts Club Award: £2,500
Show:Royal Academy, London (13 June — 20 August 2023)
What:Any media. This year, celebrated British painter David Remfry RA takes the reins as exhibition co-ordinator. Remfry’s Summer Exhibition will explore the theme Only Connect, taken from the famous quote in Howards End by E.M. Forster.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:£38 per entry (2 entries maximum)
Site:Enter here

Alpine Fellowship Visual Arts Prize

Alpine Fellowship Visual Arts Prize

A group of writers, thinkers and artists who are passionate about learning and communicating with a view to better understanding themselves and others.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:2023 symposium will be held from 10th-13th August 2023 in Fjällnäs, Sweden. Last closed: 1st March 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £3,000 (cash grant)
  • 2nd Prize: £1,000 (travel expense)
  • 3rd Prize: £1,000 (travel expense)
What:All visual media. Theme: “Flourishing”.
Who:UK and International artists (over 18)
Fees:No Entry Fee (one entry per person)
Site:Enter here

Signature Art Prize

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
Prize:
  • Prizes include: (The Directors’ Residency Award – a month-long residency in a Central London studio space, gallery representation, A finalist’s exhibition in Central London}
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

Figurative Art Now

Figurative Art Now

The Federation of British Artists hosts a selling exhibition and art prize for the broadest range of work that has any form of figuration.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist June 2022
Prize:
  • Figurative Art Prize: £5,000
Show:TBA
What:Work must be figurative, can be created in a variety of media from painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and illustration.
Who:UK based artists.
Fees:1 work: £15, 2 works: £25, 3 works: £35, 4 works: £45 (Under 35s: 1 work: £10, 2 works: £15, 3 works: £20, 4 works: £25)
Site:Enter here

Sustainability First Art Prize

Sustainability First Art Prize

Inviting creative and original responses on the theme “Together for a Fair Climate Future” for online exhibition at Sustainability First.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist TBA
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000
  • Second Prize: £500
  • Third Prize: £300
Show:Onlne exhibition & awards (TBC)
What:Any media.
Who:UK based artists (over 18)
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Football Art Prize

The Football Art Prize

A new art prize celebrating art and football to coincide with the 2022 World cup year with exhibitions at Touchstones Rochdale, Sheffield & Sunderland.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist dates TBA
Prize:
  • First Prize: £5,000
  • Second Prize: £3,000
  • Third Prize: £2,000 (25 years and under)
Show:
What:2 dimensional artworks, including painting, drawing, photography, video, digital art, collage, mixed media, textiles.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:1 work: £10, 2 works: £15, 3 works: £20, 4 works: £25 (£2.50 less for Rochdale, Sheffield or Sunderland based artists)
Site:Enter here

Contemporary Young Artist Award

Contemporary Young Artist Award

Artists 35 years old or younger working in the UK can submit work for the chance to win £2000 and exhibit work at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last close: 26th January 2020
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000 (and solo show at The Biscuit Factory)
Show:The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle (TBA)
What:Painting, photography, original handmade prints, sculpture, glass, ceramics, textiles.
Who:UK based artists (35 years and under)
Fees:Free (maximum of 3 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Print Prize Exhibition 2022

Print Prize Exhibition 2022

Celebrating and supporting printmakers with an open exhibition of all types of original prints at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:2021 Shortlist: 9th Dec, closed: 30th Nov 2021
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £1,000
  • 2nd Prize: £550
  • 3rd Prize: £250
  • Printmaking Today Prize: (Editorial feature in the magazine)
Show:RBSA Gallery, Birmingham (18 Jan – 26 Feb 2022)
What:All types of original prints
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:1 work: £19, 2 works: £32, 3 works: £40, 4 works: £48 (Free for Next Wave Associates, 50% discount for artists under 35)
Site:Enter here

The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition

The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition

The largest UK art prize for contemporary watercolour painting enters its 34th year. Approximately 100 water-based works to be selected for touring exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 24th Sep 2020
Prize:
  • First Prize: £3000 (and £1,000 Cass Art vouchers)
  • Second Prize: £1,000 (+ £695 Maimeri Blu Set, £750 worth of Arches Watercolour Paper)
  • Third Prize: £1000 (+ £150 Maimer Blue Set, £500 worth of Aquafine Watercolour Paper)
  • Young Artist Prize (25 & under): £500(and solo show)
Show:
What:Any water-based media (includes acrylics, gouache & inks)
Who:UK based artists
Fees:£15 per work (max 4)
Site:Enter here

Axis Residencies

Axis Digital Residency

An opportunity for experimentation and artistic development over a three month period with two £1,500 awards for artists working in any medium.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 16th November 2020
Prize:
  • Award: £1,500 (2 artists to receive awards of £1,500 each)
What:Any medium, not just digital. Theme: “You will be able to identify a theme that runs through your practice. This will inform the rest of our content and micro-commissions for the months that you are in residence.”
Who:Open to Axis members(from £1.75 a month)
Fees:No entry fee, Axis members only.
Site:Enter here

Whitegold Ceramics Prize

Whitegold Ceramics Prize

Bringing St Austell’s wealth of history and global connections through china clay to the attention of outstanding ceramic artists from across the world.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 21st Februray 2021
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000(Quartz Award)
  • Category Winners: £5,000(Feldspar Award)
Show:Whitgold Festival Of Clay, St Austell (TBA)
What:Theme: Projects that combine clay and food in convivial ways.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:£15 per work (5 works maximum, £10 per work for under 24s)
Site:Enter here

>Bath Society Of Artists Open Exhibition

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:
  • First Prize: £1,500
  • Runner Up Prize: £750
  • Public Choice Prize: £500
  • Prize for 3D work: £250
  • Young Artist Prize: £250
  • Painting Prize: £250
  • Drawing Prize: £250
  • Print Prize: £250
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

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:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • Exhibiting artists: £350 (each exhibiting artist will receive a fee of £350)
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 international artists (at least one-third of exhibiting artists will be selected from Towner’s coastal region – being born or based in Sussex, Kent and Hampshire)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Mark Baines competition

Mark Baines Competition

The Alexander Thomson Society invites entries for ‘Remembering Mark Baines’ a biennial architectural illustration competition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Announcement of prizewinners – April 2022. Last closed: 8th April 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £300
  • Highly Commended: £100(2 x £100 prizes)
  • Highly Commended Student: £100
Show:TBC
What:A drawing wherein the focus is on a piece of architecture, it can be anything from a technical drawing to a sketch on a napkin
Who:Open to all
Fees:£10 before 27th Feb, £15 after
Site:Enter here

Art in Offices

The Landmark Student Art Prize

£8,000 prize fund available for London based art students to show their work at Landmark’s newest location in Kings Cross.

Close: currently closed
News:Last closed: 19th April 2022
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £5,000
  • 2nd Prize: £2,000
  • 3rd Prize: £1,000 (worth of art materials)
Show:Landmark King’s Cross, London (art on display for 12 months)
What:Submit at least two artworks. Landmark want to display artwork that stands out – amazing an unusual pieces. Artwork that have a social agenda, that push the boundaries and tell a story.
Who:Art students based in London, at a recognised art college or university such as Central Saint Martins.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Emerging Artist Award

Emerging Artists Award

Annual competition encouraging young artists (aged 17 to 25) from the East Midlands to show at the Melbourne Festival, Derbyshire.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 14th May 2022. Last closed: 30th April 2022
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £500
  • Runner Up Award: £250
  • People’s Choice Award: £50(art voucher)
Show:Wellington House, Church Street Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8EJ (17-18 Dec 2022)
What:2D work: Paint, pastel, pencil, textile, printmaking, photography or mixed media. This year the theme is “CULTURE”. Applicants are encouraged to interpret the brief as they wish.
Who:Artists who live, work or study in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and meet the age criteria of being over 17 and under 25 on 31 August 2022, or are within 5 years of graduation.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Brixton Art Prize

Brixton Art Prize

A new and inclusive art competition on the theme of “Conflict & Integration” with all profits going towards community arts projects.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced by 30th May. Last closed: 15th May 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000 (plus working together with the winning artist to develop their vision into a solo show)
Show:The Department Store, Brixton (30 Jun – 1 Jul)
What:Any media. Theme: Conflict & Integration
Who:UK & international artists
Fees:£15 entry fee
Site:Enter here

Arts Together

Plein Air Painting at Bowood

Charity art competition from Arts Together with all proceeds going to support isolated and vulnerable older people.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Admission time 12pm July 2nd. Judging 4pm (prize giving 4.30pm). Last closed: 20th June 2022
Prize:
What:Landscape painting competition with exclusive access to the 100 acre grounds of Bowood House and Gardens in Wiltshire. An Italian-inspired Terrace Garden surrounds the Grade I listed Georgian House and a magnificent lake stretches out into the distance creating many opportunities for the landscape painter in this unique event. Google Maps link.
Who:UK based painters
Fees:Cost per entrant £25 – includes admission to Bowood House & Gardens and entry to the competition. Tickets are strictly limited and must be booked and paid for in advance through Arts Together. The deadline for ticket sales is 20th June.
Site:Enter here

Hastings Open

Hastings Open 2022

Biannual opportunity for UK based artists to have their work exhibited at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery in East Sussex.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 29th July 2022. Last closed: 24th June 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £500 (research residency at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, solo exhibition at blackShed Gallery, production fee of £500)
Show:Hastings Museum & Art Gallery (1 Oct 2022 – 29 Jan 2023)
What:All art forms including painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, illustration, photography, digital, audio, mixed media, and video.
Who:UK based artists
Fees:£5 for 1 artwork, £10 for 2, £20 for 4 or 5
Site:Enter here

Broomhill National Sculpture Prize

Broohmill National Sculpture Prize

With a prize fund of £40,000 this an exciting challenge for 10 new and emerging UK based sculptors to propose new works for Broomhill Sculpture Gardens.

Close:TBA currently closed
Proposal:TBA
News:Shortlist April 2022
Prize:
  • Judges Prize: £15,000 (£10,000 plus £5,000 investment to create a further work of art. Both pieces will become part of the permanent collection at the Broomhill Estate.)
  • People’s Choice Award: £5,000
  • Finalists: £2,500 (10 x £2,500 prizes to create proposed sculptures)
Show:Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, North Devon (TBA)
What:Sculpture
Who:UK based artists (amateur and emerging UK-based sculptors)
Fees:No entry fee (maximum of one sculpture proposal)
Site:Enter here

Postcards from the Trafalgar Way

Postcards from the Trafalgar Way

Create an artwork based on a feature on the historic Trafalgar Way route. £10,000 of prizes is spread across 3 age categories from 7-11, 12-16 and 17-adult.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist TBA
Prize:
  • 1st Prize (age 17-adult): 2 x £1,000
  • 1st Prize (age 12-16): 2 x £500
  • 1st Prize (age 7-11): 2 x £250
  • Schools Prize (age 7-11): £250
  • Peter Warwick Memorial Trophy: £1,000(for current or past serving member of the Royal Navy or Royal Marines)
  • John Richards Lapenotiere Trophy: £500(for resident in one of the 8 counties of The Trafalgar Way)
  • Full list of prizes and details
Show:A touring exhibition will take place in 2021
What:Any kind of two-dimensional art, including digital art (size range from A6 to A1). Theme: Take a stunning photograph or create a two-dimensional artwork of a scene along The Trafalgar Way.
Who:UK based artists (7+)
Fees:Ages under 17 – free, 17 to adult – £5 (no limit on entries)
Site:Enter here

Woon Foundation Painting & Sculpture Prize

Woon Foundation Painting & Sculpture Prize

Open to all UK undergraduate Fine Art students graduating in summer 2023. Partnership between Northumbria University and BALTIC Art Centre.

Close:TBA postponed until 2023
News:Shortlist TBC
Prize:
  • First Prize: £20,000 (bursary for year-long residency, solo show & mentor)
  • Second Prize: £9,000
  • Third Prize: £6,000
Show:Northumbria University Galleries TBC
What:Painting and sculpture
Who:UK undergraduate Fine Art students in their final year of study
Fees:No Entry Fee
Site:Enter here

 Distributed Design Awards

Distributed Design Awards

Open to anyone working in the creative disciplines across Europe, looking for innovative and sustainably designed projects.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 16th July 2023
Prize:
  • Project Excellence: €2,000 (project funding)
  • Future Thinking Winner: SPACE10 mentorship
  • Responsible Design Winner: IDEO U Designing a Business course
  • Open & Adaptable Design winner: Index Project mentorship
  • People’s Choice winner: Craftbot Flow 3D printer
What:Open to all creative projects at the intersection of the maker movement and digital design. Must reflect some of the aspects of at least two of the four principles of distributed design: valuable, distributable, reproducible and design sensitive.
Who:EU based designers or countries that participate in the Creative Europe Programme.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Oxmarket Contemporary

Oxmarket Open

Oxmarket Contemporary launches its first Open exhibition in five categories: applied arts, drawing & illustration, painting, print & photography and sculpture.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 15th July 2022. Last closed: 6th July 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: Fully funded exhibition (The first-prize winners in each category will be offered a fully-funded exhibition at Oxmarket Contemporary in 2023. Further prizes will be announced over the coming weeks)
Show:Oxmarket Contemporary, Chichester (2 Aug – 28 Aug 2022)
What:Applied arts (craft), drawing & illustration, painting, print & photography and sculpture. No digital/video.
Who:UK based artists 18 or over
Fees:£15 for 1 artwork
Site:Enter here

RBSA

RBSA Prize Exhibition

Celebrating and supporting artists works in any medium (excluding photography) at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selected artists announced: 24th August. Last closed: 16th August 2022
Prize:
  • GMC Trust First Prize: £1,000
  • Anne Judd Memorial Second Prize: £500
  • GMC Trust Third Prize: £250
  • Alec Morison Watercolour Prize: £650
  • Arthur Lockwood Memorial Prize: £300 (for artist ages 35 and under)
Show:RBSA Gallery, Birmingham (15 Sep – 15 Oct 2022)
What:All media accepted, excluding photography. Must be for sale.
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:1 work: £19, 2 works: £32, 3 works: £40, 4 works: £48 (Free for Next Wave Associates, 50% discount for artists under 35)
Site:Enter here

Chaiya Art Awards

Chaiya Art Awards

The UK’s biggest art awards illuminating spirituality with a top prize of £10,000 and London exhibition in 2023. This year’s theme is ‘Awe and Wonder’.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist dates TBA. Last closed: 31st August 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • Public Choice: £1000
  • Judges Awards: £500 (eight prizes of £500 each)
Show:Oxo Tower Wharf & The Bargehouse, London (7-16 April 2023)
What:Theme: “Awe and Wonder”. Accepted media include but are not limited to: paintings, drawings, original prints, sculpture, photography, digitally produced artwork, mixed media, textiles, ceramics, glass, video and installations
Who:UK residents (16 years or over as of January 31st 2023)
Fees:Early bird: (to 15th June 2022) 1 work: £15, 2 works: £25, 3 works: £35. Standard: 1 work: £20, 2 works: £35, 3 works: £50. Concessions: £10 per entry.
Site:Enter here

East London Art Prize

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
Prize:
  • First Prize: £15,000 (and a solo exhibition at Nunnery Gallery. The runner-up second prize is a year’s studio space with Bow Arts)
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

E.SUN Awards

E.SUN Awards

New international category with $130,000 of prizes in this once every 5 years competition for paintings representing Yushan, Taiwan’s tallest mountain.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced by mid-September 2022. Last closed: 31st August 2022
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: $36,000 (US Dollars)
  • Special Selection: $18,000 (1-3 Winners)
  • Outstanding: $7,200 (1-5 winners)
Show:The winning works in each category will be included in a traveling exhibition around Taiwan and the organizer will cover the shipping costs of works to Taiwan (Nov – Dec 2022)
What:“Convey the beauty of Yushan by using the environmental landscape and cultural/humanistic characteristics of Yushan National Park as the main creative theme.” Materials: Oil, acrylic, or gouache paint.
Who:UK and international artists (any age)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize 2021

Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize

Entering its eighth year, with an increased prize fund of £10,000, the Ashurst Prize is open to artists working across all genres, styles and backgrounds.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist TBA
Prize:
  • First Prize: £3,000 (plus £500 Cass Art voucher)
  • Sculpture Award: £1,750 (plus £250 Cass Art voucher)
  • Choice Award: £1,500 (plus £250 Cass Art voucher)
  • Photography Award: £1,500 (voucher from Genesis Imaging & £500 cash)
  • New Media Art Award: £1,500 (cash prize)
  • Emerging Artist: £1,250 (plus £250 Cass Art voucher)
  • Exhibitions: 3 month shows in London
  • Group Show: for Shortlisted Artists, Sep-Dec 2021
Show:Ashurst London HQ (TBA)
What:Any medium
Who:UK & International artists (no age restrictions)
Fees:£20 for 1st artwork (£10 per additional artwork, max 5.)
Site:Enter here

Concord Art Prize

Concord Art Prize

Newly launched annual art prize encouraging artists to create new work inspired by music from a selection of 10 tracks. Free to enter, £10,000 first prize.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist By end of May 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • Bursaries: £1,000(10 finalists will receive £1,000 each to create their artwork)
Show:Concord Head Office, London (2022, dates TBA)
What:Painting, sculpture, installation, video and photography. (works must not exceed 2m in heaight). Theme: Choose the song that inspires you the most from the 10 selected on website and submit a proposal for your artwork.
Who:UK based artists
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

D31 Autumn Exhibition 2022

D31 Autumn Exhibition 2022

Global call for entries for an Autumn exhibition at the the Doncaster based gallery with a prize fund of £600.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 10th September 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £300
  • Second Prize: £200
  • Third Prize: £100
Show:D31 Art Gallery, Doncaster (dates TBA)
What:Any medium
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:No entry fee (Max 3 works, £30 exhibition fee if selected)
Site:Enter here

Allegro Prize

Allegro Prize

Third edition of the Allegro Prize, an international competition from Contemporary Lynx with a total prize pool of 80,000 PLN (approx £14,250).

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 16th November. Winners: 6th December. Last closed: 27th September 2022
Prize:
  • 3 Main Awards of 25,000 PLN (approx £4,450) + article in Contemporary Lynx Magazine
  • Audience Award: £5,000 PLN (approx £890) + article in Contemporary Lynx Magazine
What:Any media. Submit your portfolio in English with a short biography. It should include at least 3 works (but not more than 30) in one pdf, and the file should not exceed 10MB.
Who:Artists from any country, all ages
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Huluku

Huluku Art Competition

A global creative competition celebrating authentic representation in digital art for everyone, everywhere.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist 1st October. Last closed: 30th September 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £250
  • Second Prize: £50
  • Third Prize: £50
What:Digital art on the theme of authentic representation, inclusion and diversity.
Who:UK & International
Fees:No Entry Fee (1 maximum)
Site:Enter here

Jutta Cuny-Franz Award 2023

Jutta Cuny-Franz Award

Free to enter international biennial award with a 10,000 Euro first prize for glass artists no older than 40.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Awards will be presented in Spring 2023. Last closed: 11th October 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: €10,000
  • Talent Prizes: €1,500 (two endowments of €1,500 each)
Show:Winning works will be published in the journal New Glass
What:Artists who show outstanding talent and make significant use of glass in their work.
Who:UK and international artists (must not be older than 40 years in 2023)
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

British Ceramics Biennial

British Ceramics Biennial

The leading exhibition of contemporary ceramic art in the UK allowing artists to challenge themselves and the ceramics status quo.

Close: TBA currently closed
News:Candidates informed Nov 2022. Last closed: 12th October 2022
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • 10 Finalists: £1,000 (10 selected artists will receive £1,000 each towards the exhibition of their selected work, national PR and marketing campaign, curatorial support, programme management support and return transport of exhibits)
Show:China Hall, Stoke-On-Trent (23 Sep – 5 Nov 2023)
What:Work that uses clay as the primary medium and is based on exploration of ceramic process. Areas of practice may include, but not be limited to studio pottery, design, socially engaged practice, sculpture, performance, installation, objects, film and audio.
Who:UK based artists or collectives
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Stevens Competition 2023

Stevens Competition 2023

The Architectural Glass Artist of the Year award requires entrants to design two architectural glass screens to be installed in the City of London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Feedback will be provided by the judges at a seminar in Glaziers’ Hall on 8th May 2023. Last closed: 30th December 2022.
Prize:
  • Commission: £3,500 (budget for the design commission, includes one reiteration of the design)
  • Design Only First Prize: £1,300
  • Design Only Runner Up: £650
  • Design and Illustrative Panel: £1,300 (ages 16-24)
  • Panel Runner Up: £650
  • Crafrtmanship Prize: £1,000
  • Presentation: £650
Show:The Stained Glass Museum, Ely (2023 dates TBA)
What:Design two architectural glass screens to be installed in the reception area of the new office development at The Mercers’ Company, City of London. A coloured design for each panel and the overall scheme of the pair of panels. The rectangular design for each panel must be to a scale of 1:6, that is, the design dimensions will be 225mm wide by 345mm high.
Who:UK and international emerging artists, students and apprentices who have commenced their vocation in glass during or after 2012.
Fees:None (Frame required for exhibition is £20)
Site:Enter here
Enter here

First Plinth: Public Art Award 2023

First Plinth: Public Art Award

Biennial award to produce a large-scale sculpture for the terrace at Dora House before moving to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Entrants will be sent resuls by email on week commencing 6th Feb 2023. Last closed: 16th January 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: £15,000 (to produce a large-scale sculpture)
What:The winning sculptor is awarded £15,000 to produce a large-scale sculpture for the sculpture terrace at Dora House before moving to a second site at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The award theme is Parade. The fabrication of the winning work is supported by the award, with the winner receiving mentoring from a team of experienced professionals – engineers, consultants and artists – to ensure the concept is delivered to the exacting standards required of work to be installed in public spaces.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:Non RSS members – £32.50, members – £22.50
Site:Enter here

The Blunden Prize

George Blunden Public Art Prize

Open call to create and oversee five public artwork projects over twelve months at Stonewater’s affordable housing developments for a prize of £75,000.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:TBC (at least six finalists will be selected to present their work to Stonewater’s final judging panel). Last closed: 27th January 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: £75,000 (a seperate budget will be given to fund materials, fabrication, installation and logistics of the five commissions.)
What:Artists are being asked to submit ideas for an art installation for our Calverley Lane scheme in Horsforth, Leeds. The winning piece will be installed in a prominent location at the entrance point of the 152 affordable home development, situated on the former Leeds City College campus. Artists should consider the location and history of the site, as well as the natural features of the location. As part of the brief, we’re also asking artists to consider the environmental impact of their designs and demonstrate how they would reduce the carbon footprint of their proposed work. See the online brochure for more details.
Who:UK based artists (over 18)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Archisource

Drawing of the Year 2023 – Archisource

Architecture/environment themed drawing competition returns for a fourth year with £30,000 worth of prizes to be won across 5 award categories.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winners announced: April 2023. Last closed: 31st January 2023.
Prize:
  • Drawing of the Year: £11,000 (worth of prizes)
  • Architectural Award: £5,500 (worth of prizes)
  • Narrative Award: £5,500 (worth of prizes)
  • Environmental Award: £5,500 (worth of prizes)
  • Visualisation Award: £5,500 (worth of prizes)
What:The Competition is in no way limited to the architecture profession – all arts, design and creative industries, of any experience or skill level are welcomed. Imagery can be created in any medium and style, but must relate to or convey: architecture, design or the built environment in some way.
Who:UK & International artists (18 and over)
Fees:Free to enter, up to 5 drawings per submission (all entries receive Affinity V2 Universal Licence for free! This includes Affinity Designer 2, Affinity Photo 2 and Affinity Publisher 2 for Mac, iPad & Windows PC worth £145)
Site:Enter here

SOLO AI ‘23 Awards

SOLO AI ‘23 Awards

Madrid based open call that aims to foster, acknowledge and support the use of AI as an artistic tool within the paradigm of the digital world.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The 10 finalists will be published via Twitter on 15th February 2023. Last closed: 31st January 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €10,000 (plus travel and accommodation costs to attend exhibition opening in Madrid)
Show:Espacio SOLO, Madrid, Spain (Feb-Dec 2023)
What:Art incorporating artificial intelligence as an artistic tool. AI’s new aesthetics and languages are shaping the contemporary art field at an accelerating rate, raising a full range of questions about the present and future of artistic creation regarding issues such as originality, creativity or authorship. For this reason, SoloJSN, hosted by Colección SOLO, creates SOLO AI ‘23 Awards to encourage artists to expand and enrich the possibilities around innovative digital art. See full T&Cs.
Who:UK and International artists
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

 Contemporary Printmaking Prize 2023

Contemporary Printmaking Prize

Fen Ditton Gallery launches its second open submission exhibition for contemporary printmakers in the UK. Free to enter.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 12th February 2023. Last closed: 5th February 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £500
Show:Fen Ditton Gallery, Cambridge (11 Mar – 2 Apr 2023)
What:Printmaking: An original print created within the last 3 years.
Who:UK based artists (over 18)
Fees:No entry fee (max 1 artwork)
Site:Enter here

NAE Open

NAE Open 2023

An exhibition and professional development opportunity for UK based artists from the Global Ethnic Majority* and all artists from Nottinghamshire.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: 1st May. Last closed: 5th February 2023.
Prize:
  • Judges Prize: £1,200
  • Exhibition Prize: (Awarded to an artist from the Global Ethnic Majority – includes a commissioning grant, mentoring support and exhibition at NAE in 2024/2025.)
  • Primary Residency Prize: (2 week residency awarded to an artist from the Global Ethnic Majority living anywhere in the UK. Fee of £1,000, access to a project space at Primary in 2023. Mentoring support, conversation with Primary’s artist community and the opportunity to present work to an audience.)
  • Residency Prize: (Awarded to an artist from the Global Ethnic Majority – includes a residency at NAE inclusive of financial support, provision of an artist’s studio space, and mentoring support, to be held in 2024/2025)
  • QUAD/FORMAT Photography Prize: (2 week residency for a lens-based media artist in QUAD’s dedicated Artist Studio space with mentoring and advice sessions with the QUAD/FORMAT curatorial team, and three monthly mentoring sessions.)
Show:New Art Exchange, Nottingham (2024/2025)
What:Two Dimensional & Sculptural Artworks: This includes Drawing, Painting, Photography, Textiles, Other 2D media, Mixed media 2D, Sculpture. Video/Moving Image. Sound (only). Live Art/Performance. Installation (this may involve AV and mixed media)
Who:UK based artists who either identify as being from the Global Ethnic Majority* (living anywhere in the UK), or, artists who live in Nottinghamshire (of any ethnicity). *NAE defines Global Ethnic Majority as a collective term that refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or have been racialised as ethnic minorities. (over 18)
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

 Refugee Week

Refugee Week – Creative Commission

Commission for a creative (or creatives) with a refugee or asylum-seeking background to create the main artwork/design for Refugee Week 2023.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Late Feb: Artist selection and contracting. Last closed: 10th February 2023
Prize:
  • Commission: £2,000 (to produce the visual identity for Refugee Week, this fee will need to cover professional fees, expenses and materials needed)
What:An artist or collective to create a new artwork in response to the Refugee Week 2023 theme of “compassion”.
Who:UK based artists with a refugee or asylum-seeking background.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

New Narratives

New Narratives – Open Call

Invites proposals from UK-based young African creatives (18-35 years old) and young creatives with experience of living and working in Africa and the UK.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Applications should be sent to opencall@caerbladon.co.uk. Last closed: 16th February 2023.
Prize:
  • Commission Awards: £1,500 (4 awards of £1,500 each, includes artist fees and production costs)
What:Content output can include but should not be limited to podcasts, essays, documentaries, short films, creative art, online exhibits, poetry, animation, illustrations etc. The focus should be on amplifying new narratives or demystifying existing myths and stereotypes, and short documentaries presenting new stories about contemporary African experience in the UK. Applicants should send an outline proposal as a pdf (no more than six sides of A4), with a project concept, production schedule, indicative budget, brief bios of the creative contributors/production team and any relevant supporting images, links to websites and video content etc.
Who:UK-based young African creatives (18-35 years old) and young creatives in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland with experience of living and working in Africa and the UK.
Fees:No Entry Fee
Site:Enter here

EMBracing the Ocean

EMBracing the Ocean

The European Marine Board is looking for two artists for their remote residency programme to co-create artwork in collaboration with ocean scientists.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The awardees will begin their residency in spring 2023. Last closed: 20th February 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: €10,000 (Two awardees will each be awarded a grant of €10,000 to co-create artwork in collaboration with Ocean scientists to expand societies’ understanding of the Ocean’s value and inspire wide reaching societal change for Ocean sustainability.)
What:Visual arts e.g. drawing, painting, filmmaking, photography, sculpting, digital arts, installation. Applicants should submit a provisional monthly timeline for their work as part of their application including initial ideas of the activities they expect to carry out.
Who:UK and International artists
Fees:No Entry Fee (one entry per person)
Site:Enter here

D31 Art Prize

D31 Art Prize

Online exhibition from the Doncaster based gallery, open to artists from any country, best in show receives £200 cash prize.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: 24th February 2023. Last closed: 22nd February 2023.
Prize:
  • Best in Show: £200
Show:Online exhibition for 30 shortlisted artists (9th March – 28th April 2023)
What:Any medium
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:1 entry: £10, 2 entries: £18 (plus £15 particpation fee if selected)
Site:Enter here

New Life Art Competition

New Life Art Competition

Park Gallery and Cheltenham’s Christian Arts Festival invite artists to create art on the theme ‘New Life’ for a chance to win £1,000 and gallery representation.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: Friday 13th March 2023. Last closed: 27th February 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £1,000 (plus representation at Park Gallery for three months with review to extend)
  • Second Prize: £200 (plus representation at Park Gallery for one month for two paintings with review to extend)
Show:Park Gallery, Cheltenham (April 2023)
What:The theme is ‘New Life’ and all successful artworks will need to creatively embrace this idea. Painting/drawing/mixed media/sculpture are all accepted. Entrants will be judged on how well the theme has been incorporated into their artwork. Consideration will also be given to the artist’s approach to typical elements of art such as creativity, composition, colour, technique etc. It is necessary that both the artwork and artist are available for the awards evening on 20th April 2023.
Who:UK based artists (over 18)
Fees:Free to enter (max 2 submissions)
Site:Enter here

Stone Lane Gardens

Stone Lane Sculpture Exhibition

Open call for emerging sculptors in South West of England with a chance to win the £1,000 Ashburner prize on the theme ‘Sense of Place’.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: mid March. Last closed: 28th February 2023.
Prize:
  • Ashburner Prize: £1,000
Show:Stone Lane Gardens, Newton Abbot (1 Jun – 31 Oct 2023)
What:This year’s theme is ‘Sense of Place’ – reflecting upon the relationship between sculpture and the lived experience of place. With Dartmoor as its backdrop, the exhibition presents a dialogue between artist and the natural world, site and memory, longing and belonging, human histories and contested territories.
Who:Emerging/early career sculptors based in or connected to the South West of England.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

S+T+ARTS Prize

S+T+ARTS Prize 2023

Annual competition awarding two innovative projects at the nexus of science, technology and the arts that make an impact on economic and social innovation.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winners notified by 5th June 2023. Last closed: 3rd March 2023.
Prize:
  • Awards: €20,000 (two prize winners will each receive €20,000)
What:Required Materials: A video documentary (approximately 3 minutes in length). A clear, detailed description of the artistic concept, the form of interaction and technical implementation; since specific prerequisites have to be fulfilled for an onsite presentation to take place at the Ars Electronica Festival, Linz, Austria.
Who:EU, UK and citizens of the European Research area.
Fees:No Entry Fee
Site:Enter here

Blank Space

B Arts Blank Space

If you were given a wall, what would you write on it? B Arts invites creative proposals for the wall of their No.72 building in Stoke-on-Trent.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: by the end of 10th March. Last closed: 8th March 2023.
Prize:
  • Fee: £1,500 (B Arts will provide mentoring and install the work with you)
Show:B arts, 72 Hartshill Road, Stoke-On-Trent (28 Apr – 23 Jun)
What:“Opportunity for artists to take time to explore an issue or theme of their choice on the wall outside our No.72 building. We’re keen to support artists as they learn about a topic, and in the research and development of a new body of work. The Blank Space is 2.5 metres high by 3.4 metres wide. The artist has freedom to work with this space in any 2D medium and adapt, develop, or change the work between a set time period. You’ll be given technical support, and an experienced mentor if you want one. The building is in a very visible space, and on a major bus route, meaning the work will be seen by hundreds of people each day. This is a great opportunity to experiment with new work and fresh ideas, and to talk loudly about something important to you. To apply, email info@b-arts.org.uk with an outline of your idea and how you’d make the work. That can be either in writing (no more than one side of A4) or a short video. Tell us why the issue or idea matters. Give us some examples of previous work, or show us how you’re ready to make the work.”
Who:Artists available to complete the work in Stoke-On-Trent this April (Install 24th-28th April).
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award

Mark Tanner Sculpture Award

An £10,000 prize awaits an emerging sculptor (of any age) towards the production of new work culminating in a solo London exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Interviews for shortlisted artists will be held at Standpoint the week commencing 10th April 2023. Last closed: 18th March 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000 (to assist in the production of a new body of work made in 3 payments over the course of the year, at the end of which there will be a solo exhibition at Standpoint Gallery)
Show:Standpoint Gallery, London (TBA)
What:Sculpture
Who:UK based artists (excluding BA and MA students, no age limit)
Fees:£15 fee
Site:Enter here

COAL Prize 2023

COAL Prize

Inviting artists from around the world to explore the crossover of art and ecology since 2010 – this year’s theme is ‘Plants’ with a €12,000 first prize.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Announcement of nominees: June 2023. Award ceremony: September 2023. Last closed: 19th March 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: €12,000 (and funded art residency at the Belval Domaine, Ardennes France)
  • Jury’s Special Prize: €3,000
What:With Plant! the COAL Prize 2023 invites artists from all over the world to sow the seeds of creation and action, to germinate new research and experimentation, so that an inventive and resilient plant-based way of thinking can flourish in the world to come. This Prize is a call to act, to transform, to heal, to revive, to hybridize. A call to feel the richness of plants, their balances and dynamics, from seed to calyx, from molecule to ecosystem. A call to try and, why not, to fail, because failure is the seed of growth. Applicants will be judged on the following criteria: artistic value, relevance (understanding of the theme – PLANT!), originality (the ability to introduce new approaches, themes, and points of view), pedagogy (ability to get a message across and raise awareness), social and participative approaches (engagement, testimony, efficiency, societal dynamics), eco-design and feasibility.
Who:UK & interantional artists
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

John Moores Painting Prize

John Moores Painting Prize

One of the UK’s most prestigious painting competitions culminates in an exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery as part of the Liverpool Biennial.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Artists notified if they are through to Stage 2: Week of 15 May. Last closed: 24th March 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £25,000
  • Lady Grantchester Prize: £5,000 (£2,500 cash and £2,500 worth of Winsor & Newton art materials, residency and display at Elephant West in London. Open to final year art students and those within two years of graduation.)
  • Further Prizes: £2,500 (4 x £2,500 prizes)
Show:Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool (16 Sep 2023 – 25 Feb 2024)
What:Submissions must be wholly or partly executed in any painted medium and designed to hang on or be fixed to a wall.
Who:UK based artists (18+)
Fees:£30
Site:Enter here

DSFW

Wildlife Artist of the Year

Established in 2008 the awards have raised more than £1.7m to fund David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and celebrate our planet’s wildlife.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced early June 2023. Last closed: 29th March 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000 (£5,000 cash prize and £5,000 conservation voucher to be donated in the winner’s name to a DSWF species of their choice)
  • Runner Up: £2,000
  • Category Winners: £500 (Several £500 awards across various categories)
  • First Time Entrants Award: £500
Show:Mall Galleries, London (11-16 Sep 2023)
What:Any medium excluding photography, film and digitally created images.
Who:UK & International artists age 15 and over (Youth Exclusive category age 15-19)
Fees:£25 (£15 for further entries & Youth Exclusive category, no limit on entries.)
Site:Visit Website

Ruth Borchard Prize

Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize

Biennial £10,000 prize celebrating contemporary self-portraiture. The judges include Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:For exhibition works must be for sale and include the gallery’s 50% commission in the sale price. Last closed: 31st March 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
Show:The Atkinson Museum, Southport (Sep – Dec 2023)
What:Accepted media includes: painting, drawing, digital art, photography, sculpture, tapestry and ceramics.
Who:UK & International artists of all ages
Fees:£35.00 from a UK based bank account, £45.00 if payment is being made from overseas
Site:Enter here

DBACE

Deutsche Bank Awards

£60,000 prize fund & £100,000 of business support for five entrepreneurs seeking to make positive social impact through creative enterprise.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlisted applicants from the first round (online application form stage) will be notified by May 19th, 2023. Last closed: 31st March 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: up to £20,000 (£60,000 shared among 5 winners + 12 months business support)
What:Any media.
Who:UK residents age 18 and over, full criteria here.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

On Paper

On Paper Printmaking Contest

Annual international printmaking project to promote the art of printmaking and develop connections between printmakers around the world.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The international jury will select between 10 – 15 prints. Artists shortlisted for the prize and the exhibition will be notified via social media by May 1st 2023. Last closed: 1st April 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €1,000
Show:Tinta Invisible, Barcelona (July 2023)
What:Each artist can submit one piece of work on a paper size of 30cm x 40cm. The print size can be any within the size of the paper. The work can be horizontal or vertical. The work must have been made using any traditional printmaking techniques, including screenprinting, lithography, etching, engraving, collagraph, monotype, block printing, woodcut, electro-etching, photo etching, photopolymer, etc. We also encourage artists to use non-toxic techniques. Digital prints (prints made with a printer) are not accepted. However, digital processes can be used to elaborate prints that are traditionally printed.
Who:UK & International
Fees:€26 entry fee
Site:Enter here

Professional Artist Award 2023

VAA Professional Artist Award

The inaugural award returns with a prize fund value of £5000. Open to both amateur and professional artists, working in any visual art medium.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced – June 2023. Last closed: 6th April 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £1,000 (also includes: art supplies, 12 month mentorship programme, online solo exhibition, lifetime VAA membership, momentum programme, coaching session)
  • 5 Highly Commended: (prizes include: Certificate, 121 Strategy session, 6 weeks Momentum Programme)
Show:Online solo exhibition for winner
What:Any media
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:£20 entry, Free to premium members of the VAA (£9.99 a month)
Site:Enter here

Figurativas 2023

Figurativas 2023

The Fundació Privada de les Arts i els Artistes announces its 12th edition with a figurative painting and sculpture prizes of €20,000 and €10,000.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Selection notification by email on 19th May, 2023. Last closed: 16th April 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize for Painting: €20,000
  • 1st Prize for Sculpture: €10,000
  • Monographic Exhibition Prize: Solo show at MEAM (individual exhibition on the third floor of MEAM, Barcelona)
  • Artelibre Prize: €500
  • Artistic Material Award Artemiranda: €500
  • Artistic Material Award Escoda: €450
  • Art Renewal Center Acquisition Award: Purchase Prize (Art Renewal Center will purchase a work for their permanent collection)
  • Artistic Scholarship Award: BAA Prize (Summer 2024 Drawing/Painting course at Barcelona Academy of Art)
  • Category Awards: €250
Show:Museu Europeu d’Art Modern (MEAM),, Barcelona (opens 5 Oct 2023)
What:Theme and technique is open to the artist but should always be in the figurative art modality. All types of painting techniques are accepted i.e. graffiti, engraving, graphite, pastel, charcoal, colour pencils, pen, watercolour, tempera, oil, acrylic, mixed media, digital painting. Painting minimum dimensions: 40 x 40cm, maximum: 200 x 200cm. Sculpture: minimum dimensions 40 x 40 x 40cm, maximum to 100 x 100 x 200 cm. Categories: Landscape, Drawing/Illustration, Young Talent: participants under 25, Still life, Figure and Portrait, Digital Art.
Who:UK and International artists
Fees:€40 per work
Site:Enter here

Hampstead Art Society

Hampstead Art Society

Enter your work for a chance to win £2,000 and exhibit at The D Contemporary Gallery in Mayfair, see also the new award of a week long Tuscany retreat.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: 1st May. Last closed: 18th April 2023.
Prize:
  • The Henrion Award: £2,000 (£2,000 cash prize)
  • 2nd Prize: Vouchers (from MH Oil Paints and Rosemary & Co.)
  • 3rd Prize: Workshop (a week long studio workshop)
  • People’s Choice Award: Tuscany Retreat (Sponsored by Art Escape Italy: 6 nights in Tuscany at one of their 2024 retreats including 5 days tuition, with all meals and drinks provided – worth over £2000.)
  • Young Artists Award: Vouchers (from MH Oil Paints and Rosemary & Co.)
Show:D Contemporary, Mayfair, London (26 Jun – 8 Jul 2023)
What:Oil, acrylic, watercolour, original prints of any media, mixed media, drawings, pastels, or sculpture.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Fees:£10 per work (max 6)
Site:Enter here

The Gallery Open Call

The Gallery Open Call

Create a work of 2D art for outdoor presentation in response to the theme ‘No But Where Are You Really From?’. 10 artists will receive a fee of £2,000 each.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist and commissioned artists confirmed: late May 2023. Last closed: 23rd April 2023.
Prize:
  • Commission: £2,000 (10 artists or collectives will win £2,000 each)
Show:Exhibition in public spaces across the UK (exhibition launch in September 2023)
What:The theme for Season 3 is: No But Where Are You Really From? We live in a globalised world of international travel and mass migration. Over the centuries peoples, animals, plants and pathogens have continuously crisscrossed the Earth’s oceans and continents. So, what part does place still play in identity? The Gallery’s Season 3 theme encourages artists to ask timely questions about origin, inclusivity, belonging, transition and exchange. The theme also invites artists to consider what it feels like to be excluded or denied on the one hand, and accepted and embraced on the other. “I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked where I’m really from, so I know first-hand how relevant this season’s theme still is today.” Bakul Pakti, Guest Curator, The Gallery The successful works will be selected for their artistic quality, their visual impact in public space, and their ability to generate conversation and public debate. Submissions must be proposals for two-dimensional static works in any media. This includes, but is not limited to: photography, painting, drawing, text work, prints, mixed media and collage.
Who:UK & International artists (18 and over. For artists based outside of the UK, a travel stipend of £200 towards any/all travel expenses, including visa fees and one night’s accommodation is included.)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

This is Gender (In)Equality

This Is Gender (In) Equality

Free to enter global competition exploring gender equality through visual media from around the world.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist candidates notified: May. Last closed: 23rd April 2023.
Prize:
  • 4 x Category Winners: £500
Show:Online exhibition
What:This year’s call for submissions is oriented around four themes; i) Gender (In)Equality and health; ii) Gender (In)Equality at work; iii) Gender (In)Equality & planetary health; and iv) Gender (In)Equality & sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). All forms of still visual media including for example mixed-media photography, illustration, drawing, painting, collages or new media. Individuals and collectives are welcome to participate. People from all backgrounds and from all around the world are encouraged to submit photographs and imagery that raise questions and respond to the themes. Submissions from low and middle-income communities without formal artistic training are especially welcomed.
Who:UK & International
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

RBSA

RBSA Summer Show

Summer Show celebrating and supporting artists works in any medium for an exhibition at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selected artists announced: 5th May by 4pm. Last closed: 25th April 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £500
  • Second Prize: £250
Show:RBSA Gallery, Birmingham (15 Jun – 22 Jul 2023)
What:All media accepted. Must be for sale.
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:£13 per work(50% discount for artists under 35. Free for Honorary RBSA Members and Graduate Artists. RBSA Friends pay £13 display fee per work selected.)
Site:Enter here

Young Botanical Artist competition

Young Botanical Artist Competition

Open to artists aged 16-25 to submit 2D botanical artworks depicting trees, leaves and anything that exists in between.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winners announced: 30th June 2023. Last closed: 30th April 2023.
Prize:
    • Overall Winner: £750 (1 per category)
    • Highly Commended: £250 (2 per category)
    • All winners and People’s Choice Artist will receive an art supplies bundle worth £100
Show:The Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Kew Gardens (October 2023)
What:Botanical artworks that represent their subject creatively, but with scientific accuracy. A4, A3 or A2 size.
Who:UK & International artists (Age categories: 16-18 and 19-25)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Scottish Portrait Awards

Scottish Portrait Awards (Fine Art)

Anyone living, studying or born in Scotland can enter. Touring exhibition in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Kirkcudbright. Photography awards info here.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Finalists: 29th May 2023 (At least 30 fine art submissions will be selected for the touring exhibition. All finalists will be contacted by phone or email beforehand). Last closed: 30th April 2023.
Prize:
  • Fine Art First Prize: £5,000
  • Second Prize: £1,000
  • Third Prize: £500
  • Young Fine Artist (16-25): £500
Show:
What: Works in all mediums and styles. Oil, acrylic, watercolour, charcoal, pencil, all forms of sculpture, collage, tapestry. Works that are conceptual, impressionist, photorealist, surreal… Works that are surprising, challenging, different, skilled… that tell stories. The subject of the portrait must be known to the fine artist/photographer and have given their permission for their portrait to be submitted for the competition. If the subject is deceased the heirs should give their permission. ‘Portrait’ may be interpreted in its widest sense. The subject may be one or more people. Animals may also appear in the portrait as long as the primary subject is human.
Who:Anyone born, living or studying in Scotland (over 16 years old on 1 Sep 2023)
Fees:£10 per work (Max 6. Free entry is available to anyone receiving universal credit or any form of income support)
Site:Enter here

New Light Art

New Light Prize Exhibition

A biennial competition open to artists born, based or who have studied in the North of England: Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Jun/Jul 2023 Shortlisted artists announced. Last closed: 30th April 2023.
Prize:
  • Valeria Sykes Prize: £10,000
  • Patron’s Choice Award: £2,500
  • Sculpture Prize: £1,000
Show: The Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead(29 Sep – 22 Dec 2023)Bankside Gallery, London (27 Feb – 3 Mar 2024)Rheged Gallery, Penrith (14 Mar – 2 Jun 2024), The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle (21 Jun – early Sep 2024), The Mercer Art Gallery, Harrogate (12 Sep – 21 Dec 2024)
What:Static works, capable of being wall-hung without requiring any power source. (Photography is currently excluded.)
Who:Artists, over 18, born in the North of England or are currently living in the North of England or studied at degree or postgraduate level (in an arts-based subject) in the North of England. (the North of England is defined as being the historic counties of Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire.)
Fees:£20 for the first image, £40 for two, £10 for each subsequent image (no maximum number of entries, max 3 shortlisted)
Site:Enter here

Liverpool Plinth Open Call

Liverpool Plinth Open Call

The Northern response to London’s Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth. Now open to sculptors from the Midlands & North of England.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Artists notidied: 25th May 2023. Installation June 2023. Last closed: 30th April 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: £1,000
What:Visually impactful work that makes a real statement and provokes conversation – and even argument. Only work which has already been produced will be considered. Work must comfortably fit onto the plinth, which measures 215 x 123cm OR the plinth and the surrounding area of roof. Work must weigh 400kg or less. Work must be suitable for the environment, i.e. able to withstand an outdoor location, rain, salt spray etc, for the full 12 month duration. The selected sculpture will be displayed from July 2023 – June 2024.
Who:Sculptors living or working in the Midlands and North of England (North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, East Midlands)
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Margate Art Prize

Margate Art Prize

A new annual prize open to emerging artists (all artists not currently formally represented by a gallery) working in 2D. Winner will be selected by Tracey Emin.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Exhibition for shortlisted artists in July 2023. Last closed: 1st May 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000 (winner selected by Tracey Emin)
Show:Ramsay & Williams Gallery, Margate (July 2023)
What:Two dimensional artworks. “Hell or High Water” is the theme for this year’s prize. All submissions to ramsayandwilliams@gmail.com. Please include: your name, a brief biography & artist’s statement, a quality image of your submission, dimensions of the artwork (cm), an optional supporting image which can be unrelated to the prize theme and the price of the artwork, should you wish to sell in Ramsay & Williams Gallery.
Who:UK and International artists not currently formally represented by a gallery.
Fees:Free to enter.
Site:Enter here

Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers

Royal Miniature Society Annual Exhibition

125th Anniversary Exhibition from The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers with a prize fund of over £3,000.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:You will be notified via email on 8th May 2023, if your work has been pre-selected for the next selection stage. Last closed: 2nd May 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £750 (and Gold Memorial Bowl)
  • Joan Cornish Willies Award: £400 (for Outstanding Traditional Miniature Oil Painting)
  • Young Artists Award Award: £250 (age 18-30)
  • People’s Choice Award: £250
  • Young Miniaturist Winner: £150 (age 16-17)
  • Young Miniaturist Runner Up: £50 (age 16-17)
Show:Bankside Gallery, London (28 Jun – 8 Jul 2023)
What:The maximum overall sizes for miniatures including frame and mount, are: Rectangles and Ovals: 4.5″ x 6″ (11.5 x 15cm). Squares: 4.5″ x 4.5″ (11.5 x 11.5cm). Round: 4.5″ (11.5cm) diameter. Mounts: must not be wider than 3/4″ (2cm) top and sides with 1″ (2.5cm) at the bottom or 3/4″ (2cm) all round. Frames: should not be wider than 1″ (2.5cm) nor deeper than 3/4″ (2cm). Sculpture: should not exceed 8″ (20cm) across the longest measurement and include the base.
Who:UK & International artists.
Fees:£15 per entry, £12 for artists age 18-30, Free for artists age 16-17
Site:Enter here

Wells Art Contemporary

Wells Art Contemporary

International art competition giving artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in Wells Cathedral and receive a wide range of prizes.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Artists Notified of Results: 30th May 2023. Last closed: 10th May 2023.
Prize:
  • Howden Art Award: £2,000
  • Student Prize: £1,000 (current fine art students aged under 26)
  • People’s Choice Prize: £500
  • St Cuthberts Mill Award: £120 (20 sheets of Saunders Waterford 300gsm worth over £120 will be awarded to an artist who works on paper.)
  • NG Art Creative Residency: (two-week placement in Provence, includes board and lodging, studio space, mentorship and outings.)
Show:Wells Cathedral, Somerset (16 Jul – 14 Aug 2022)
What:Any medium – painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, installation or video.
Who:UK & international artists (18+)
Fees:£17.50 per work (£10 per work for current fine art students aged under 26)
Site:Enter here

The Gallery at Green & Stone

The Gallery at Green & Stone Summer Exhibition

The fourth annual Summer Exhibition at The Gallery has more prizes, more space, and a solo show opportunity at Green & Stone’s London gallery.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: 17th May. Last closed: 12th May 2023.
Prize:
  • Green & Stone Award: Solo Show (fully funded solo show (worth £10,000) for the artist who exhibits a real feeling for their medium and its aesthetic potential)
  • De Laszlo Foundation Young Artist Award: £3,000 (cash award to a young artist aged 30 or under)
  • Gallery’s Choice: £1,000 (Green & Stone voucher to the artist who shows the most potential)
  • Small Artwork Award: £1,000 (cash prize for artwork not exceeding 30.5cm (unframed) in length or height)
  • Treadwell Materiality Award: £500 (cash prize to the artist who portrays a real interest and knowledge of materiality and their chosen medium)
  • Damian Greenish Drawing Award: £500 (cash prize for the strongest drawing)
  • Michael Harding Oil Painting Award 1st: £350 (worth of Michael Harding products)
  • Michael Harding Oil Painting Award 2nd: £250 (worth of Michael Harding products)
  • Schminke Award: Watercolour Box Set (Hodram Watercolour set in a wooden presentation box worth £150 to an artist who uses watercolour in an innovative way)
  • Sennelier Award for Pastel: Pastel Box Set (Sennelier Wooden Box Set of 175 Soft Pastels worth £795)
Show:The Gallery at Green & Stone, Fulham Road, London (1 – 29 Aug 2023)
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
Fees:£20 per work, £15 for young artists under 30 (max 3 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Future Generation Art Prize

Future Generation Art Prize

Biennial global contemporary art prize to discover, recognize and give long-term support to a future generation of artists up the age of 35.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announcement: Early July 2023. Deadline extended from 30th April to 14th May. Last closed: 14th May 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: $100,000 ($60,000 USD cash and $40,000 investment in the artist’s practice)
  • Special Prizes: $20,000 (Up to 5 special prizes are awarded at the discretion of the jury. A total amount of $20,000 will be awarded to special prize winners for supporting projects that develop their artistic practice.)
Show:Pinchuk Art Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine (Oct – Dec 2023 then May – August, 2024 in Venice)
What:Any medium.
Who:UK and International artists aged between 18 and 35.
Fees:Free to enter.
Site:Enter here

D31 Summer Exhibition 2023

D31 Summer Exhibition 2023

Call for entries on the theme of “Power” to show selected artists online and at the the Doncaster based gallery with a prize fund of £600.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Notification: 19th – 21st May 2023. Last closed: 18th May 2023.
Prize:
  • Commission Fee: £500 (winning artist will be commissioned to create a piece (60 x 80cm) for the gallery’s permanent collection.)
  • People’s Choice: £100
Show:D31 Art Gallery, Doncaster (8th July to 9th September 2023)
What:Any medium. Theme: Power. ‘What is Power? What does it represent? How do we experience it? How do we respond to it?’.
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:£10, £8 for additional entries, max 5 (£30 fee if selected for gallery and online exhibition. £15 fee if selected for online exhibition only.)
Site:Enter here

International FiKVA Award

International FiKVA Award

Global online competition for representational & figurative painters with €5,000 in cash prizes and and online group exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of Top 35 Selection: Jun 25, 2023 (by email and social media). Last closed: 18th May 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €3,000 (online exhibition and interview)
  • Second Prize: €1,500 (online exhibition and interview)
  • Third Prize: €500 (online exhibition and interview)
Show:Online exhibition of 35 finalists (opens 11th July, 2023)
What:2D representational and figurative paintings. Acceptable media: oil, water-soluble oil paint, acrylic paints, watercolour, ink, gouache, tempera and all traditional mediums on any support – canvas, board, paper, wood, panel, wall, aluminum, glass etc. Work must have been completed between 2021 and 2023. No comics, airbrush, digital or mechanical work is accepted.
Who:UK & International artists (18+)
Fees:1 work: €32, €16 for each additional work (max 4)
Site:Enter here

Doncaster Art Fair

Doncaster Art Fair Open Exhibition

In its 4th edition, the “Art as a response to mental health 2023” online exhibition invites submissions from all aspiring and established artists worldwide.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Results/prizes announced: 14th June. Last closed: 20th May 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £400
  • Second Prize: £300
  • Third Prize: £200
  • People’s Choice: £100
  • Curator’s Prize: £100
Show:Online exhibition: 30 May – 15 July
What:“Art is used more and more around the world as a means of keeping our body, soul and mind together and we invite you to showcase your work around this subject matter. All visual artists working in styles and media are encouraged to submit work.”
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:Free to enter (up to 3 artworks, shortlisted artists will be charged a £15 participation fee)
Site:Enter here

The Fine Art Textiles Award

The Fine Art Textiles Award

FATA is an international juried exhibition open to all amateur and practising artists using textiles as their medium, and offering a £5,000 first prize.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlisted announced by email by end of June. Last closed: 22nd May 2023.
Prize:
  • Overall Winner: £5,000
  • Innovative Use of Textiles: £500 (a piece of work that clearly demonstrates a particularly complex and/or powerful approach of the use of textiles)
Show:Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham (3 – 6 August 2023)
What:Work that meets the following criteria: Would be considered as fine art and worthy of premium gallery space. Transcends its craft or making process, standing alone as visual art. Is clearly rooted in and reflecting of the inspiration, source, concept or idea of the artist, with fully resolved composition. Is rooted within the medium of textile, meaning that cloth and thread are used as the pivotal materials/media. Both 2D and 3D works are welcome, with the exception of garments unless said garments present as fine art. All disciplines, processes and media are therefore welcome, as long as the key/pivotal materials are clearly rooted in textiles. Without providing an exhaustive list, in terms of process this might include hand and/or machine stitch, weaving, collage/piecing, wrapping or binding, thread ‘drawing’, surface design, knitting and crochet. In terms of media, other elements can be incorporated such as dyes, discharge media, paint, paper, resin, wax and so forth.
Who:UK & International artists
Past:Visitor’s Choice Winner 2022
Fees:Administrative fee of £38.00 per entry
Site:Enter here

Lumen Art Prize

The Lumen Prize

Lumen Art Projects, a not-for-profit based in Wales, run this $14.5k global competition to celebrate the best art created with technology.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Up to 70 artists will be longlisted and are invited to join the Lumen Artist Community. One will be offered a 4 week residency in Barcelona in 2024 with accommodation, use of equipment and one week show. Last closed: 26th May 2023 at 6pm.
Prize:
  • Gold Award: $4,000 (overall winner)
  • Moving Image Award: $1,000 (for 2D work using any digital process)
  • Still Image Award: $1,000 (for time-based work using any digital process)
  • 3D/Interactive Award: $1,000 (for work that engages with audiences through sound, touch or movement)
  • Immersive Environment Award: $1,000 (for an immersive experience using any digital processes)
  • Generative Art Award: $1,000 (for work created by an artist, an artist collective or DAO using an autonomous, non-human system)
  • BCS Futures Award: $1,000 (for work that explores future relationships between society and technology)
  • Global Majority Award: $1,000 (for art created with technology by an artist or collective from Africa, Latin America or the developing economies of Asia and the Middle East)
  • Nordic Award: $1,000 (for art created with technology by an artist or collective from Nordic Countries. Will also be invited to give a lecture about their practice at Sørlandets Kunstmuseum/KUNSTSILO)
  • Crypto Award: $1,000 (for work by an artist, artist collective or DAO that represents the cutting edge of the blockchain ecosystem)
  • HUA Award: $1,000 (for art created with technology by a Chinese artist or collective living and working in China)
  • Student Award: $500 (for art created with technology by a student currently enrolled in a degree programme)
Show:Awards night at Aures, London on 19 Oct, exhibition at Annka Kultys Gallery, London (14 Sep – 14 Oct)
What:All art is eligible as long as it engages with technology in some form.
Who:UK & International artists.
Fees:Early bird before 24th March: $38.00 for 2 works. Regular: $42 for 2 works (free to enter for first 100 students to apply)
Site:Enter here

FLAMIN Fellowship 2023-2024

FLAMIN Fellowship

Annual award to support England based moving image artists at the early stages of their career to develop new projects.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Interviews: Weeks beginning 24 July & 31 July 2023. Last closed: 30th May 2023.
Prize:
  • Awards: £2,500 (six fellowship awards of £2,500 each)
What:Artists working with moving image, with an innovative and boundary-pushing approach to the medium.
Who:Artists resident in England with a professional artistic practice outside of higher education for at least 2 years, but no more than 7 (higher education not a pre-requisite).
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

London Art Biennale

London Art Biennale

Up to 400 artists will be selected for the 6th edition of the London Art Biennale with a £10,000 prize fund and group exhibitions in London and Tuscany.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Approximately 300-400 artists will be selected for the London exhibition. Last closed: 31st May 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £5,000
  • Painting Award: £1,500
  • Sculpture/Installation Award: £1,500
  • Works on Paper Award: £1,500
  • Digital/Video Award: £1,500
  • Chianciano Biennale 2024: (25 artists to get group show in Tuscany, Italy)
Show:Chelsea Old Town Hall, London (26th – 31st July 2023)
What:Accepted artistic disciplines include works on canvas, works on board, works on paper, applied arts such as collage/mixed medias, photography, digital art, video art, sculpture and installation.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:£36 per work
Site:Enter here

Scottish Landscape Awards

Scottish Landscape Awards

Open to anyone born, living or studying in Scotland (over 16) working in any media. £26,000 of prizes, exhibition at City Art Centre, Edinburgh.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of selection: 5 July 2023. Last closed: 31st May 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • 2nd Prize: £5,000
  • 3rd Prize: £1,000
  • City of Edinburgh Award: £5,000 (work depicting the Edinburgh landscape, will become part of the City of Edinburgh collection)
  • Environmental Art Award: £3,000
  • Young Landscape Artist Award: £1,000 (ages 16–25)
  • Photography Award: £1,000
Show:City Art Centre, Edinburgh (4 Nov 2023 – 3 Mar 2024)
What:Works in any media by individuals or teams of artists – painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, all forms of sculpture, animation, textiles, photography, installation, video, multi-media, virtual reality landscapes – and more. Works entered may be imaginary, surreal, abstract, documentary, ecological, realistic – anything is possible as long as the work carries a strong sense of place or context. Works that reflect all dimensions of natural and/or man-made environments – rural, urban, industrial, suburban, forest, mountain and seascapes, interior/exterior, minute/enlarged and more.
Jury:Barbara Rae (chair), Ade Adesina, Marian Leven, David Mach, Jane and Louise Wilson
Who:Artists over 16 born, living or studying in Scotland.
Fees:£10 per work (Free entry for artists living in Scotland on income support or Universal Credit.)
Site:Enter here

The Gilchrist Fisher Award

The Gilchrist Fisher Award

Biennial award, first won by Peter Doig in 1991, established in memory of Alasdair Gilchrist-Fisher, a landscape painter who died of cancer at the age of 24.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:See previous year’s winners. Last closed: 1st June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £6,000
What:All media except video and installation. Theme: Artists addressing landscape.
Who:Artists under the age of 30 on 1st January 2024
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Women in Art Prize

Women In Art Prize

Formerly the Hollybush Painting Prize – celebrating women painters & photographers culminating in a London exhibition for 22 finalists.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:22 finalists announced on 24th July 2023. Last closed: 8th June 2023.
Prize:
  • Painting First Prize – Dame Emma Thompson Award: £1,000 (plus £250 of Cass Art vouchers and solo show at The Cass Art Space, Islington. Winning work shown at Zebra One Gallery, Hampstead. Feature in Fabric Magazine. Interview and studio visit/outreach campaign via Love London.)
  • Painting Runner-Up Prize: £500
  • Tim May Memorial prize: £1,500
  • Susan Angoy Artist of African & Caribbean Heritage Award: £1,500
  • Photography First Prize: £500 (plus £250 worth of printing or retouching at Genesis Imaging. Winning work shown at Zebra One Gallery, Hampstead.)
  • Photography Runner Up prize: £250
  • Award for Young Woman Artist: £250 (26 years and Under)
  • Best Overseas Artist: £250
  • People’s Vote Prize: £250
  • Hoskin House Residency: (for those aged 40+)
  • Mall Galleries Prize for Best Figurative Painting: (10 free entries to Open Exhibitions, worth £180)
Show:London exhibition (location/dates TBA)
What:Painting and photography. Mixed media will be accepted if the major part of the work is painterly. 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 38%)
Who:Any female artist 18 and over living and working in the UK (Overseas artists may enter to win the Prize for Best Overseas Artist)
Fees:£25 (allows up to 2 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Young Masters Art Prize

The Young Masters Art Prize

Rewards contemporary artists to look back to the art of the past and art history to inspire their work, whether through technique, concept, theme or medium.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist date TBA. Last closed: 11th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,500
  • 2 x Highly Commended: £500
  • Ceramics First Prize: £1,000
  • Ceramics Commended: £500
  • Emerging Woman Artist: £1,000
  • People’s Choice: £500
Show:67 York Street, London (3-15 October 2023)
What:Any media (separate ceramics prizes). Artists who show originality, skill and imagination in response to the art of the past. You can interpret this as widely and creatively as you wish.
Who:UK & international artists (18+)
Fees:£38 entry (Allows up to 2 artworks. Shortlisted artists contribute £75 towards storing their work with Art Logistics for 6 months. Works submitted must be available for sale, 50% commission to Young Masters.)
Site:Enter here

Cerco 2023

Cerco International Contemporary Ceramics Award

Promoting contemporary ceramics since 2000, Cerco 2023 is open to contemporary artists from around the world of any age, emerging or established.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist TBC. Last closed: 11th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €6,000
Show:Asociación Profesional de Artesanos de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
What:Any subject matter using ceramics as a medium. Dimensions may not exceed 2m. along their longest side, or 1m3 total volume, and none of them may weigh more than 50 kg each.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:No Entry Fee (2 works max)
Site:Enter here

Holt Festival

Holt Festival Art Prizes

Established in 2012 these awards and exhibition invite artists from across the UK to be part of the thriving Holt Festival in North Norfolk.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Young Artists competition closes 12th November 2023. Last closed: 11th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000
  • Charlotte Fraser Ceramics Prize: £1,000 (ceramic or glass not more than 60cm in any direction)
  • Sworders Art Prize for Emerging Artists: £750 (ages 19-23)
  • Sworders Art Prize for for Young Artists: £500 (ages 16-18)
Show:Exhibition venue TBA (20-29 July 2023). Young Artists exhibition (3-10 Dec 2023)
What:Artists may use any medium they wish and depict any subject matter. Artworks must be wall hanging, max size 1.25m x 1.25m x 0.4m inc. frame (if any).
Who:UK based artists
Fees:£14 for one image, £25 for two, £35 for three
Site:Enter here

Evening Standard Art Prize

Evening Standard Art Prize

Evening Standard has joined forces with Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle to offer a £5,000 cash prize and a bespoke fragrance to the winner.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last held in 2018. Previous winner. Last closed: 15th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £5,000 (and a bespoke fragrance from Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle)
Show:Group show for 12 shortlisted artists at Cromwell Place, London (Sep 2023)
What:The theme for 2023 is ‘A Portrait of You’. Artists in the fields of sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and wood carving are invited to submit a work, or a coherent series of works, that celebrates self-expression and the individuality and personality that can be shown through their art form. Entrants will be required to submit three to five images of their work, from different angles and distances, along with 150-200 words about themselves and their submission.
Who:UK residents age 18 and over. Excluding those who have had a solo exhibition in a public institution.
Past:Last held in 2018 – previous winner.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

The Tabernacle Art Competition 2023

Tabernacle Art Competition

Annual exhibition at MOMA Machynlleth on the theme of ‘Secret’. Artists can enter one piece of new work inspired by the theme.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlisted artists will be notified by mail. Works must be delivered between 12-16 June in person or by carrier. Last closed: 16th June 2023.
Prize:
  • Adult 1st Prize: £1,200
  • Adult 2nd Prize: £600
  • Adult 3rd Prize: £300
  • Ages 12-17 Winner: £100
  • Ages 11 and Under Winner: £50
Show:Selected works to be displayed at MOMA Machynlleth (24 Jun – 6 Sep 2023)
What:Any 2D work, including photography. Max size with frame: 36 x 48 inches (914 x 1219 mm). Theme: The theme for the 2023 Tabernacle Art Competition is ‘Secret’
Who:UK & International artists (winners must be able to get their work to museum between 12-16 June)
Fees:Adult entry fee: £17.50. Under 18 entry fee: £5. (Max 1 work. Purhcase entry in advance here)
Site:Enter here

RSA William Littlejohn Award

The RSA William Littlejohn Award

Monetary award to research, develop and produce a new body of work in a water-based medium with an exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winner announced by end of September 2023. Last closed: 25th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000 (and 2024 exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy)
Show:Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh (2024 dates TBC)
What:Any water-based medium.
Who:Entrants must be born in Scotland or have been resident in Scotland for at least 3 years. Students must either be graduating in 2023 or currently studying at postgraduate level at a Scottish art school.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Air Open 2023

AIR Open 2023

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.
Prize:
  • Prizes: £1,000 (up to £1,000 in cash prizes to be won)
  • Additional Prizes (associate memberships, solo shows, gallery representation, art materials and more)
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 HARI ART PRIZE 2023

The Hari Art Prize 2023

In collaboration with A Space For Art comes a free to enter art prize for self taught or recent UK art graduates. Judges include Matthew Burrows MBE.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Awards ceremony at The Hari in November 2023. Last closed: 30th June 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £10,000 (and exhibition at The Hari)
  • Runner Up Awards: Residency & Exhibition (two artist in residence awards based at The Hari from Jan-Feb 2024 & London exhibition. All three finalists will have their work exhibited at The Hari, Hong Kong.)
Show:The Hari, London (1 Sep 2023 – Jan 2024)
What:2D work: Paint, pastel, pencil, textile, printmaking, photography or mixed media
Who:The award will be open to all applicants who are self-taught or have graduated in the last two years (2021-2023) from UK art colleges. The minimum age to apply is 18 years old, and artworks need to be located in the UK.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Contemporary British Painting Prize

Contemporary British Painting Prize

Organised by painters, for painters to promote current painting from UK based artists with group exhibitions in Huddersfield and London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Longlist on or before 23rd July (maximum 60 artists), shortlist on or before 30th July 2023 (minimum 12 artists). Last closed: 30th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £8,000 (plus catalogue essay and invitation to become a member of Contemporary British Painting as well as a selector for the CBP Prize 2024)
  • Highly Commended Award: £2,000
  • £400 exhibitor’s fee: (for at least 12 artists who will show at least three pieces each in 2 exhibitions)
Show:
What:Painting. A visual artwork produced using a paint medium such as oil, tempera, acrylic, emulsion, enamel or watercolour which once completed results in a physical object (created after 1st Jan 2021).
Who:Artists of all nationalities who live in the UK, including students, are eligible. You must be aged 18 years or above on 30 June 2023 and living and professionally based in the UK. (This includes England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.)
Fees:£20 total fee (5 works are asked for to give selectors a better understanding of your work. They will choose a minimum of 3 works from each of the shortlisted artists for exhibition.)
Site:Enter here

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize

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:TBA currently closed
News:All applicants will be informed by email of the decision by the Selection Panel by 5pm on 20th July 2023. Last closed: 30th June 2023.
Prize:
    • Evelyn Williams Drawing Award: £10,000 (a biennial award to support a mid-career artist selected for the exhibition to hold a solo exhibition at a major gallery in the UK)
    • First Prize: £8,000
    • Second Prize: £5,000
    • Student Prize: £2,000
Show:Trinity Buoy Wharf, London (27 Sep – 15 Oct 2023)
What:Any media considered as drawing
Who:UK & International artists (International entries here)
Fees:1 work: £25, 2 works: £35, 3 works: £45 (students £15/£20/£25)
Site:Enter here

Sketch for Survival

Sketch For Survival

More than 35,000 species are threatened with extinction, submit your animal or wildlife art for exhibition & auction to help raise funds & awareness.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist: 13th July 2023. Last closed: 30th June 2023.
Prize:
  • 100 Finalists: your artwork will be exhibited at London’s prestigious gallery@oxo to a wide audience and sold via online auction in aid of 21 For 21 Projects and 1 year membership to Explorer Club.
  • Wildlife Artist of the Year: 5 shortlisted artists go to event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 18 Nov where winner will be announced.
  • Wild Spaces Artist of the Year: 5 shortlisted artists go to Royal Geographical Society event.
  • Leisure Painter’s People’s Choice Award: Profile piece published in magazine and one year subscription.
  • The Artist Award: Profile piece published in magazine & one year subscription.
  • Junior Introducing Artist of the Year: 3 shortlisted artists go to Royal Geographical Society event.
What:Original signed two-dimensional A4 or A3 size work in either of two categories – Wildlife: The main focus should be an endangered species. Depict one or several animals from the IUCN red list. Wild Spaces: Your image should depict an at risk landscape/seascape or a species of plant. For example, a wood or forest, a coral reef, mountain range, coastline, wetland – any wild space threatened by environmental factors such as global warming or human activity. Or specific species of threatened plant/flower/tree/coral on the red list.
Show:Gallery@Oxo, London and Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh
Who:UK & International artists of any age
Site:Enter here

Artists’ Collecting Society Studio Prize 2022

Artists’ Collecting Society Studio Prize

Founded in 2006 the ACS Studio Prize offers artists starting their career the chance to win £6,000 towards the cost of an artist’s studio in the UK.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winner announced by week beginning 19 September 2023. Last closed: 30th June 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £6,000 (towards UK art studio costs)
What:Pictures, collage, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, glassware or photography.
Who:All UK, EU and EEA nationals worldwide. Must be a current undergraduate or postgraduate art student who is about to graduate, or has graduated from a university art course within the last four years.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

International Original Print Exhibition

International Original Print Exhibition

Established by the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers at the Bankside Gallery to showcase the best in contemporary printmaking across all techniques.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist notified by 6pm on 27th July. Last closed: 5th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Thames-Side Print Studio Prize: £650 (annual membership of studio, 50 open access sessions & a place on a print course of choice worth circa £650)
  • Jackson’s Art Supplies Award: £250 (art supplies voucher)
  • Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaker Prize: £180 (spindle roller to the value of £180)
  • Hawthorn Printmaker Supplies Award: £150 (art supplies voucher)
  • John Purcell Paper Award: £150 (materials to the value of £150)
  • Society of Wood Engravers Prize: £100 (plus a one-year subscription and free entry for selection process to SWE Annual Exhibition)
  • Various other prizes, view full list
Show:Bankside Gallery, London (21 Sep – 1 Oct 2023)
What:Any forms of original printmaking are eligible.
Who:UK & International artists (18 and over)
Fees:£16 per work (max 6, students £10 per work)
Site:Enter here

RWA Open

RWA Annual Open Exhibition

International competition celebrating 170 years of Annual Open Exhibitions at The Royal West of England Academy, Bristol’s first art gallery.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Results live: 22nd July 2023. Last closed: 5th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Prizes: £1,000 (full list to be announced soon, 2022 prize fund was over £6,000)
Show:Royal West of England Academy (RWA), Bristol (9 Sep 2023 – 14 Jan 2024)
What:Any medium.
Who:UK & International artists.
Past:168th exhibition – previous winners.
Fees:£21 per item for General Public, £15.90 for Students & Friends of the RWA, £10.50 for RWA Artist Network members, Free for RWA Academicians.
Site:Enter here

Lab ROME’23

Lab ROME’23

International contemporary art prize from Malamegi Lab, open to artists working in all media with a final exhibition for 12 participants in Rome.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of the 12 selected artists: 11 July 2023. Last closed: 6th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Purchase Prize: €2,000 (an artwork will be purchased up to the value of €2,000)
  • Artistic Research Prize: €1,000 (towards a chosen artist’s development of new work and research)
  • Monographic Book Prize: Art Book (a book will be created of a chosen artist’s work along with printing and production)
Show:28 Piazza di Pietra, Rome (14-28 Oct 2023)
What:Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed media, Digital, Video, Graphics, Net art, other (all visual works that can be reproduced through a picture are allowed)
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:1 artwork: €45, 2 artworks: €75, 3 artworks: €105
Site:Enter here

Aire Place Studios presents Win it! 2023

Aire Place Studios presents Win it! 2023

Annual exhibition from Leeds based gallery aims to bring together fantastic works from local, regional, and national artists.

Close:TBAcurrently closed
News:Successful Applications Notified: 21st July 2023. Last closed: 7th July 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £300
  • Runner-Up Prize: Solo Show (awarded a solo exhibition at Cole’s Gallery.)
  • People’s Choice Award: Membership (APS Associate Membership worth £45)
Show:Aire Place Studios, Leeds (1 Sep – 29 Sep 2023)
What:No them, all art mediums will be considered.
Who:UK based artists (18+)
Fees:£15 per work (max 6)
Site:Enter here

Art Prize

Theo Paphitis Art Prize

The TV dragon and owner of London Graphic Centre returns for the second outing of his drawing and painting prize on the theme ‘Connection’.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:People’s Choice voting opens: 9th August 2023. Last closed: 9th July 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £5,000 (+ £500 worth of materials from London Graphic Centre + £500 voucher from Liquitex and Winsor & Newton + £500 voucher from Pebeo)
  • People’s Choice Award: £2,000 (+ £250 worth of materials from London Graphic Centre + £250 voucher from Liquitex and Winsor & Newton)
  • The One To Watch: £500 (+ £100 worth of materials from London Graphic Centre + £100 voucher from Liquitex and Winsor & Newton + Mentoring from a Citylit tutor)
Show: London Graphic Centre, Covent Garden store (from 14th September)
What:2 dimensional artwork in any painting or drawing media. Theme: ‘Connection’. Connection is a universal concept that touches on the core of human experiences. It allows artists to explore the ways in which people relate and communicate with one another, promoting understanding and empathy through their works, but also the way we respond to our surroundings. The theme of connection can be interpreted in countless ways, allowing artists to explore a wide range of ideas, mediums, and techniques.
Who:UK based artists (age 18 and over)
Past:Last year’s winners
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

RSA MacRobert Art Award

The 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:TBA currently closed
News:Winner announced by end of Autumn 2023. Last closed: 16th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: £20,000 (The winner will exhibit selected resulting work alongside other RSA award winners at the Academy the following year)
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.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Art Gemini Prize

Art Gemini Prize

Returning for its 10th edition with a prize fund of £4,000 and group exhibition at the Zari Gallery in Fitzrovia, London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist Announcement: 8th August 2023. Last closed: 16th July 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £2,000
  • 2nd Prize: £1,000
  • 3rd Prize: £500
  • Young Artist Prize: £500 (up to age 25)
  • Hampstead School of Art Choice Prize: £400 (Course Voucher)
Show: Zari Gallery, London (20-28 Sep 2023)
What:Acceptable mediums and genres of 2D and 3D including painting, oil, mixed media, drawing, ink, watercolour, calligraphy, original print, photography, digital art, sculpture, and ceramic, excluding installation and video. (Maximum size 120 x 120cm inclusive frame except 3D sculpture maximum size 70 x 70 x 70cm)
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:1 work: £20, 3 works: £40, 6 works: £60, 8 works: £70
Site:Enter here

RBSA Drawing Prize 2023

RBSA Drawing Prize 2023

All drawing practices are welcome, including digital drawing and 3D works, from professional and emerging artists from across the region and beyond.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selected artists announced: 8th August by 4pm. Last closed: 24th July 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000
  • Second Prize: £500
  • Third Prize: £250
  • Arthur Lockwood Prize: £300 (for artist ages 35 and under)
Show:RBSA Gallery, Birmingham (5 Sep – 14 Oct 2023)
What:All styles and mediums, the only restriction is that the technique must be drawing.
Who:UK and international artists
Fees:1 work: £19, 2 works: £32, 3 works: £40, 4 works: £48 (Free for RBSA Graduate Artists, 50% discount for artists under 35)
Site:Enter here

Royal Society of Marine Artists

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:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of selection: Friday 11 August, 12 noon. Last closed: 28th October 2023.
Prize:
  • BAE Systems Award: £5,000 (for the best work capturing the story of British Shipbuilding)
  • Baltic Exchange Award: £2,000 (for an outstanding work related to the maritime industry)
  • Charles Pears Award: £500 (outstanding work, in any medium, by a non-member)
  • Kenneth Denton Award: £500
  • Murray’s Commercial Fishing Award: £500 (works in any medium depicting commercial fishing)
  • RSMA Award: £300 (for best small painting, 30cm and under)
  • RSMA New Generation Award:: £250 (artists aged 35 or under)
  • Topbond Marine Award: £250 (works depicting marine engineering or construction)
  • Winsor & Newton Oil Prize: £250 (worth of Winsor & Newton art materials for a notable oil painting)
  • Sea Pictures Gallery Award: £250 (work of distinction in any medium)
  • Pegasus Art Prize: £100 (worth of art materials for work in any medium)
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

Boynes Artist Award

Boynes Artist Award

Formerly the Boynes Emerging Artist Award now updated to reflect its commitment to recognising emerging, mid-career and established artists.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Early Bird closed: 30th May, Finalists Announced: 18th August, Winners Announced, 25th August. Last closed: 30th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Professional Artist Winner: $2,000
  • Emerging Artist Winner: $750 (+ artist website designed)
  • Young Artist (18-25) Winner: $500 (+ $250 art supplies)
What:Painting, Drawing, Photography, Mixed Media or Sculpture.
Who:UK & International artists (age 18 and over)
Fees:Professional: $35 for 3 works, Emerging: $25, Young: $20
Site:Enter here

Dover Prize

Dover Prize 2023

£10,000 bursary for UK based artist or collective to provide time to think, research, reflect and/or experiment with new ideas.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:If shortlisted, you will receive an offer by email to attend an interview by video conference. Last closed: 30th July 2023.
Prize:
  • Bursary: £10,000 (paid across two years, to an individual or collective to provide time to think, research, reflect and/or experiment with new ideas, to create work that will be premiered in Darlington.)
What:Applications are welcome from artists working in the visual arts e.g. painting, sculpture, ceramics, print-making, photography, digital art, film making, performance and installations.. Artists applying must meet a minimum of 3 of the following criteria:

  • – The artist is regularly making and exhibiting artwork.
  • – The artist has received professional grants or awards.
  • – The artist is involved in organising self-created professional opportunities, for example running an artist-led studio or project.
  • – The artist has a degree in visual or applied arts at undergraduate and/or post-graduate level.
  • – The artist has been commissioned by a public institution.
  • – The artist’s work has been previously purchased by a public collection.
  • – The artist’s work has been previously reviewed or featured in an art journal, magazine, newspaper or on-line curated platform.
  • – The artist is represented by a gallery.
  • – The artist has taken part in a recognised residency or artist placement scheme.
Who:UK based artists.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Art for Change Prize

Art for Change Prize

M&C Saatchi Group & Saatchi Gallery’s second edition of thir £20k annual Art Prize asks artists to respond to the theme: ‘Regeneration’.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Regional winners announced: mid-October 2023. Overall winner announced: 21 November 2023. Deadline extended from 17th July to 31st August. Last closed: 31st July 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000
  • 5 Regional Winners: £2,000 (5 artists will receive £2,000 each)
Show:Saatchi Gallery, London (22 Nov 2023 – 12 Jan 2024)
What:Submitted works must creatively respond to the theme ‘Regeneration’ and have been executed since 1st January 2020. Accepted media includes painting, drawing, illustration, photography, collage, 2D mixed-media, video or film.
Who:Artists based in UK, Europe, Americas, Asia, Australia, and Africa. (aged 18 or over and within the first five years of their artistic career)
Fees:Free to enter (max 5 works)
Site:Enter here

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize

International art prize from Australian based magazine Beautiful Bizarre for traditional and digital 2D + 3D artists, and photographers.

Close:TBA currently closed
Date:Shortlist of 140 Finalists announced between 15 – 19 August. Dealine extended from 17th July. Last closed: 31st July 2023.
Prize:
  • Grand Prize: $10,000 (plus glass art award trophy, group show in San Francisco, print editorial & interview in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine & more prizes)
  • RAYMAR Traditional Art Award: $4,500 (plus $1,500 of art photography and/or Fine Art archival print reproduction and more prizes)
  • INPRNT Photography Award: $3,000 (plus group show, magazine feature, glass art award trophy and more prizes)
  • iCanvas Digital Art Award: $3,000 (plus Wacom One Creative Pen Display, group show, glass art Award trophy, magazine feature, and more prizes)
  • Yasha Young Projects Sculpture Award: $3,000 (plus glass art award trophy, $250 of art materials, group show, magazine feature, and more prizes)
Show:Haven Gallery, New York (80+ short-listed finalists to be in group show 4 Nov – 3 Dec 2023)
What:Entries in any medium or style of static visual ‘Representational Art
Who:UK and international artists of all ages
Fees:$40 (US Dollars)
Site:Enter here

Art Unlimited 2023

Art Unlimited Open Art Competition

Open to artists from all countries working in any medium, with a top prize of £2,500 and solo exhibition at Art Unlimited, Bridport.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced: 14th August, winners announced: 15th September 2023. Last closed: 31st July 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £2,500 (and solo exhibition at Art Unlimited, Bridport)
  • People’s Choice Award: £500
  • Best Concept: £300
  • Best Creative Piece: £300
  • Best 3D Piece: £300
  • 15-18s 1st Prize: £300 (worth of framing and show at Unique Framecraft Gallery)
Show:Art Unlimited, Bridport, Dorset (21 Oct – 5 Nov 2022)
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

Beyond Future Art Prize

Beyond Future Art Prize

For artists around the world with a keen interest and focus on the environment, sustainable living and climate change in their work.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winner announced: 10th September 2023. Last closed: 6th August 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: HK$33,000 (approx £3,400)
Show:Pao Galleries, Hong Kong Arts Centre (12-15 Oct 2023)
What:Original Painting, Drawing, Photography, Digital art, or Short films created after 2021. Theme: Reflection – “a moment to think about the environment; what kind of a relationship do we have with nature?”
Who:UK & international artists (aged 15 and above)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

SSA 125

SSA Annual Exhibition

For its 125th Annual exhibition The Society of Scottish Artists invites artists worldwide to submit entries for its winter show in a west coast venue.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Pre-selection notification: Friday 22 September 2023. Last closed: 21st August 2023.
Prize:
  • Prizes TBA (Prizes to be announced. £8000+ prize money awarded in 2021)
Show:Maclaurin Art Gallery, Ayr (19 Nov 2023 – 14 Jan 2024)
What:Painting, printmaking, photography, drawing and sculpture. All selected works must be for sale.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:Non members £15 per work, free for members (max 3 entries). Annual membership fees: Student: £10, Graduate: £20, Artist: £40 (Work selected for the exhibition will be subject to £5 admin fee per work for SSA members and £15 per work for non-members, to be paid on delivery)
Site:Enter here

Wales Contemporary

Wales Contemporary / Cymru Gyfoes

International open competition with a £12,000+ prize fund developed by the Waterfront Gallery with support from the Welsh Government.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection Results: 12th September 2023, Last closed: 21st August 2023.
Prize:
  • Open Prize: £3,000
  • 2D 1st Prize: £2,000
  • 2D 2nd Prize: £1,000
  • 2D 3rd Prize: £750
  • 2D 4th Prize: £500
  • 3D 1st Prize: £2,000
  • 3D 2nd Prize: £1,000
  • 3D 3rd Prize: £500
  • Public Choice: £1,000
  • Public Choice 2nd Prize: £250
Show: Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven (20 Oct – 20 Dec 2023)
What:2 or 3 dimensional artwork in any medium apart from photography, digital prints or film. Accepted mediums include painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramic, glass, textile, collage, mixed media and more. Artwork must be for sale, price inclusive of 30% commission and made in the last three years (2D max length: 70cm, 3D max size: 50cm)
Who:UK and international artists. (over 18)
Past:Article on 2022 Winners
Fees:£15 for one work, £25 for two and £30 for three.
Site:Enter here

maltabiennale.art 2024

maltabiennale.art 2024

MUŻA invites artists and curators worldwide to submit challenging, curious and immersive experiences for the Malta Biennale from March-May 2024.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:All applicants will receive their official result notification by 16th October 2023. Last closed: 25th August 2023.
Prize:
  • Grants: €13,000 (artists selected will be provided financial support up to a maximum per project of Eur 13,000.)
Show:MUZA – Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, Malta (March–May 2024)
What:Theme: ‘white sea olive groves’ – “an imagining of an array of whites from ancient and contemporary times, shaped into a vast cradle within which civilisation relishes myriads of cultures, art, and diversity: a visual festa inspired by a process of formulating new narratives for the region. Narratives that confront the horrendous stink of death by drowning; narratives that can defeat discourse fuelling fundamentalism and nationalism – a choral ‘hymn to the universe’, celebrating peace and harmony, defying war(s) with olive branches in hand, gleaned from the evergreen olive groves of the Mediterranean, blending with the sparkling whiteness of the seas that surround them: a provocative artistic initiative inviting a rethink of global mindsets about art and society, emanating from the deep south of the European continent.”
Who:UK & International artists.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

The Cooper Prize 2023

The Cooper Prize 2023

Formerly known as South Yorkshire Open Art Competition – open to artists who are born, live or work in South Yorkshire for an exhibition at Cooper Gallery.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Approximately 80 works will be put forward for final judging and to be included in the exhibition. Artists selected for the final exhibition will be contacted by email around 2nd October 2023. Last closed: 29th August 2023.
Prize:
  • Main Prize: £1,000 (and solo show in Sadler Room 2024)
  • Emerging Artist: £500 (Open to any student or graduate that has graduated within the past 2 years)
  • Barnsley College Special Award for Originality and Skills: £100 (student/recent graduate)
  • The Fox Gift: £100 (£100 vouchers to spend on Artist Materials, for artists under 16)
  • Peoples Choice: Hamper (Hamper of artists supplies)
Show:The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley (dates TBA)
What:Submit up to 3 pieces of artwork, whether it be abstract, figurative, contemporary or traditional.
Who:Artists who are born, live or work in South Yorkshire (under 16s free)
Fees:£10 per artist, £5 students/recent grauduates, Under 16s free (max 3 works)
Site:Enter here

The Sussex Contemporary 2023

The Sussex Contemporary

Annual exhibition that takes place on the Brighton seafront to showcase the work of artists based, born or educated in Sussex.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: 12th September 2023. Last closed: 31st August 2023.
Prize:
  • Creative Pod Prize: £1,000 (worth of creative services)
  • Seawhite Prize: £500 (worth of art materials)
  • MPB Prize: £500 (worth of photography gear)
Show:British Airways i360, Brighton (6-22 Oct 2023)
What:Theme: Metamorphosis. The term ‘metamorphosis’ is elusive and multi-layered. Biologically, it signifies a complete change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one. It also describes a change by supernatural means and can relate to the inner psychological transformations of being and identity. Artworks can be created in various media, including but not limited to; painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and illustration to stun and captivate visitors. The artwork submitted must be original work and must be available for sale.
Who:Artists based/born or studied in Sussex, England
Fees:£15 (max 3 entries)
Site:Enter here

Women United ART PRIZE

Women United Art Prize

A contemporary art prize aimed at celebrating global female artists working in 2D format, organized by Women United art movement.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Longlist announced: 31st October, Shorlist: 15th November 2023. Last closed: 31st August 2023.
Prize:
  • Category Winners: €500 (plus online solo exhibition, interviews & subscriptions)
  • 2nd & 3rd Prizes: €50 (of art materials, plus online group show, interviews & subscriptions)
Show:Online exhibition at Women United
What:Categories: Drawing & Painting, Photography & Printmaking, Collage & Fiber Art, Digital Art.
Who:UK & International women artists (open to all women-identifying artists worldwide, regardless of their education, age, sexual orientation, race, career stage, location.)
Past:2022 finalists: Drawing & Painting, Collage & Fibre Art, Photography & Printmaking, Digital Art.
Fees:€8 per entry (Max 5 artworks)
Site:Enter here

ING Discerning Eye 2023

ING Discerning Eye Exhibition

Two artists, two collectors and two critics choose both publicly submitted works alongside works by invited artists for six mini-exhibitions within the exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of results by Monday 2 October 2023. Last closed: 31st August 2023.
Prize:
  • ING Purchase Prize: £5,000
  • ING Founder’s Prize: £2,500
  • Drawing Bursary Prize: £1,500
  • DE Chair’s Purchase Prize: £1,500
  • Parker Harris Prize: £600 value (one year’s subscription to The Art Ladder mentoring programme for artists, and two one-to-one mentoring sessions, worth £600)
  • Mervyn Metcalf Purchase Prize: £500
  • DE Sculpture Prize: £300
  • DE Cityscape Prize: £300
  • DE Landscape Prize: £300
  • DE Portrait Prize: £300
  • DE Print Prize: £300
  • Regional Prizes: £250
  • Tabish Khan’s Critic Purchase Prize: £200
Show:Mall Galleries, London (16-26 Nov 2023)
What:All mediums are eligible and all works must be an original creation by the artist; prints (including prints from i-pad drawings), photographs, and sculptures. (Max size: 50cm in any direction. Work must be for sale.)
Jury:Tony Adams (Former footballer and Collector), Eliza Gluckman (Director, Government Art Collection), Péjú Oshin (critic, curator, writer, lecturer), Chris Levine (Artist), Ian “H” Watkins (Singer and Collector), Julian Wild (Artist and Lecturer).
Who:UK residents only
Past:2022 photos and winners on Making A Mark blog.
Fees:One work: £15, Two: £30 Three: £40 Four: £50 Five: £60 Six: £70(max 6)
Site:Enter here

Robert Walters Group UK New Artist of the Year Award

New Artist of the Year Award

The Robert Walters Group in collaboration with Saatchi Gallery are looking for exceptional artists who are representative of contemporary Britain.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:10 finalists notified: 18 Sep 2023. London prize giving ceremony: 9 Nov 2023. Last closed: 3rd September 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £10,000 (and work shown at the Robert Walters Group head office for 12 months)
  • Second Prize: £5,000
  • 10 Shortlisted Artists: £200 (to attend London awards and artwork shipping costs)
  • People’s Choice Award: Presentation (opportunity to take part in international presentation)
Show:Saatchi Gallery, London (awards ceremony on 10th Nov 22)
What:Theme: ‘The Journey of Self-Actualization: Exploring the Illusion of Greener Grass and the Pursuit of the Dream’. Artists should be working within one of the following fields: Fine Arts: painting, printmaking, photography, installation, sculpture. Applied arts: ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery. Digital Arts: Moving image, performance video, technological arts.
Who:UK based artists within the first 10 years of professional practice (aged 18 years and over)
Past:2022 winners and finalists.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

London Group Open

The London Group Open

Celebrating its 85th open exhibition for UK based artists working in any medium, £10,000 in prizes and exhibition at Copeland Gallery, London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Applicants whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified by the end of September. Last closed: 5th September 2023.
Prize:
  • London Group Prize: £2,000
  • Jeff Lowe Sculpture prize: £1,000
  • JPES Partnership Prize: £1,000
  • Vic Kuell Memorial Prize for Innovation: £1,000
  • Under 35 Artist Prize: £1,000
  • Schauerman Prize for Digital Art: £500
  • Felix & Spear Exhibition Prize: (opportunity to exhibit work at Felix & Spear)
Show:Copeland Gallery, London (9-26 Nov 2023)
What:Any medium including, painting, sculpture, drawing, print, photography, mixed media, installation, video, sound, digital and performance.
Who:UK based visual artists age 18 and over.
Past:84th edition held in 2019: Previous Winners
Fees:£20 for one submission, £35 for two, £45 for three
Site:Enter here

Aesthetica Art Prize 2022

Aesthetica Art Prize

Aesthetica is a British art and culture magazine whose annual prize celebrates excellence in art from across the world for emerging and established artists.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Results announced in January 2024. Up to 125 artists are selected for publication in the Art Prize Anthology. Last closed: 8th September 2023.
Prize:
  • Main Prize: £10,000 (group exhibition, magazine coverage & more)
  • Emerging Prize: £1,000 (for students & graduates of last 2 years. Group exhibition, magazine coverage)
Show:York Art Gallery, York (March – June 2024)
What:Any discipline, any theme
Who:UK & International artists (18+)
Fees:Up to 2 works of art or series per entry. £25 (to 31 Aug 2023), £30 (1–8 Sep 2023)
Site:Enter here

Society of Wildlife Artists

Society of Wildlife Artists Annual Exhibition

Seeks submissions of works that depict wildlife subjects and evoke the spirit of the natural world, based on ‘in the field’ observation.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of selection: 22nd September. Last closed: 8th September 2023.
Prize:
  • Birdwatch and Swarovski Optik Artist of the Year Award: £2,430 value (Swarovski Optik ATS 80 HD spotting scope with 25-50x zoom eyepiece & subscription to BirdGuides/Birdwatch)
  • BIRDscapes Award: £1,000 (split between artist and conservation charity of their choice)
  • RSPB Award: £500 (worth of art materials)
  • Oil Painting Prize: £500 (of Michael Harding materials)
  • Watercolour Painting Prize: £500 (of Michael Harding materials)
  • Dry Red Press Award: (winning work reproduced as a greetings card)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (2-11 Nov 2023)
What:Work may be in any medium including painting, sculpture and original prints.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:2022 Prize Winners
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 35 (All work must be for sale & include commission of 45%+VAT)
Site:Enter here

Holdsworth House

Holdsworth House Art Competition

Submit your painting or sketch of the stunning Jacobean manor house hotel in West Yorkshire for a chance to stay where the Beatles once stayed!

Close:TBA currently closed
News:All entrants will find out if their work has been shortlisted on 15th September via email. Last closed: 10th September 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: Artist On Holiday Prize (4 seasonal overnight breaks for 2 with dinner & breakfast, worth over £1500)
  • 2nd Prize: Gift voucher (for Champagne Afternoon Tea for 4 at Holdsworth House)
  • 3rd Prize: Gift Voucher (for Prosecco Afternoon Tea for 2 at Holdsworth House)
  • People’s Choice Award: Vouchers (£100 art supplies voucher and voucher for Prosecco Afternoon Tea for 4 at Holdsworth House)
  • Under 18s 1st Prize: £100 Voucher (art supplies voucher from Calder Art Supplies)
  • Under 18s 2nd Prize: £50 Voucher (art supplies)
  • Under 18s 3rd Prize: £25 Voucher (art supplies)
Show:Holdsworth House, Halifax, West Yorkshire (winning work framed and displayed in the hotel for 12 months)
What:2-D painting or drawing (oil, watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, pencil, charcoal, pastel, textiles, ink or digital) of the front view of Holdsworth House. View Image Gallery.
Jury:Sally Wainwright OBE (screenwriter and director), Paul Dene Marlor (watercolour artist), Jo Bird (illustrator and artist), Gail Moss (Hotel Director)
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

The Bath Open Art Prize

The Bath Open Art Prize

Now in its 11th year and welcoming submissions from visual artists working in any medium, from across the globe.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Artists selected for the exhibition will be informed on 24th September. Last closed: 11th September 2023.
Prize:
    • 1st Prize: £500
    • 2nd Prize: £250
    • People’s Choice: £50 (art vouchers)
Show:44AD artspace, Bath (12 – 28 Oct 2023)
What:Any medium. Developed as part of Fringe Arts Bath (FaB), alongside the established traditions, the prize welcomes more idiosyncratic and whimsical works that reflect FaB’s open approach.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:£20 for 1 artwork, £30 for up to 3 artworks
Site:Enter here

The Ingram Prize 2023

The Ingram Prize 2023

The Ingram Collection’s annual Purchase Prize Exhibition celebrates the work of graduating artists at the beginning of their careers.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: 9th Oct 2023. Last closed: 18th September 2023.
Prize:
  • Prizes: 3 entries will be purchased, selected finalists will take part in a group show & invited on 1 week residency. Solo exhibitions at The Lightbox gallery, Surrey and TM Lighting Gallery, London.
Show:Cromwell Place, London (22–26 Nov 2023)
What:Any media
Who:Artists within five years of graduation from a UK-based art school (over 18)
Fees:No Entry Fee (max: 2 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Boomer Art Prize

The Boomer Art Prize

£10,000 in cash awards +and exhibition opportunities for 20 finalists at The Boomer Gallery space near Tower Bridge, London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:10th October: 50 preselected artists listed on website. 22nd October: The 20 finalists listed on website. Last closed: 25th September 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £5,000 (+ a solo show)
  • 2nd Prize: £500 (+ inclusion in two group shows)
  • 3rd Prize: £100 (+ inclusion in one group show)
Show:The Boomer Gallery, London (January 2024)
What:Any media/theme. Eligible media, but not limited to: paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, prints, textiles, illustrations, digital art, poems, video art, AI-assisted art, etc.
Who:UK & International artists.
Fees:£35 entry fee (to submit 3 works)
Site:Enter here

Luxembourg Art Prize

Luxembourg Art Prize

Annual international art prize from the Luxembourg based Pinacothèque Museum with €35,000 of prizes, be prepared for a hefty entry fee of around £55.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shorlist: 1st November 2023 (24 finalists). Last closed: 30th September 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: €20,000
  • 2nd Prize: €10,000
  • 3rd Prize: €5,000
What:Drawing, printing, installation, painting, photography, sculpture, mixed techniques, decorative arts (textiles and materials, glass, wood, metal, ceramics, mosaics, paper or other techniques)
Who:UK & International artists (any age)
Fees:UK: £55, Eurozone: €55+VAT, USA: $65 (one time registration fee, add as many works to your personal file as you please. See all countries fees here). Group 1 closes on 31st March, Group 2: 30th June, Group 3: 30th September. For each group, candidates will have until 30th September to complete their application.
Site:Enter here

Paralym Art World Cup 2023

Paralym Art World Cup

Worldwide event for people with disabilities to express their artistic talents, win cach prizes and attend an award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:1st Round: October 2023. Last closed: 30th September 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £1,650 (300,000 Japanese Yen)
  • 2nd Prize: £5500 (100,000 Japanese Yen)
Show:Award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan (January 2024)
What:Artwork that expresses your vision of ‘JOURNEY’.
Who:UK & International artists (Applicants should possess an issued certification or equivalent document that proves their disability status)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Bada Week

Bada Art Prize

From the British Antique Dealers’ Association the BADA Art Prize returns for its third year, seeking to promote “the antiques of tomorrow”.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than 27th October 2023. Last closed: 1st October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000 (£1,000 grant to an emerging contemporary artist whose work exemplifies the enduring ingenuity and quality illustrated by BADA members’ objects)
Show:BADA Week reception in London (17th Nov 2023)
What:All medium and styles are welcomed  (submissions must be original works produced within the last 2 years.)
Who:Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed a post-secondary education at a UK institution.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Painting Award

RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Painting Award

Opportunity from the Royal Scottish Academy for Scottish born/based painters at least 15 years out of art school or 15 years substantive practice.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The award winner will be announced by end of November 2023. Last closed: 1st October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £20,000 (to enable a committed painter to devote themselves exclusively to painting for a period of time of up to 26 weeks, which they would otherwise not be able to do, due to other commitments such as employment or caring responsibilities)
What:The entrant’s practice must be predominantly based in painting, this can be in any medium or subject.
Who:Entrants must be be born or currently living in Scotland (and have been for at least 3 years) and mid-career painters at least 15 years out of art school or can demonstrate at least 15 years of substantive practice.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Travel Award

RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Travel Award

New travel award from the Royal Scottish Academy for Scottish born/based painters at least 15 years out of art school or 15 years substantive practice.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The award winner will be announced by end of November 2023. Last closed: 1st October 2023.
Prize:
  • Award: £5,000 (for research, development & production of new work through period of international travel)
What:The entrant’s practice must be predominantly based in painting, this can be in any medium or subject.
Who:Entrants must be be born or currently living in Scotland (and have been for at least 3 years) and mid-career painters at least 15 years out of art school or can demonstrate at least 15 years of substantive practice.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Manifest Prize

The Manifest Prize

Annual prize launched in 2010 from the Cincinnati based Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center with cash award of $5000 and four-week solo exhibit.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: 6th November 2023 (Notifications sent by email to all entrants by the end of day). Last closed: 1st October 2023.
Prize:
  • Manifest Prize: $5,000
  • Runners-Up Prizes: $250 (four artists will each receive $250)
Show:Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati (14 Dec 2023 – 12 Jan 2024)
What:The Prize is open to works of ANY media, ANY genre/style, ANY size. The jury and judging process has no stylistic or media-based preference or bias.
Who:UK & International artists
Past:Last year’s prize winners.
Fees:Entry by 1st September: $40 for up to 5 entries. Entry by 1st October: $60 for up to 5 entries.
Site:Enter here

Unlimited Open

Unlimited UK and International Open Awards

14 awards to disabled artists in England, Scotland & Wales with a grand total of £600,000 to commission artists on a national and international level.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlisted artists announced: 28th November 2023. Last closed: 2nd October 2023.
Prize:
  • Awards Total: £600,000 (For artists based in England: two awards of £20,000, two of £50,000, and two of £80,000. For artists based in Scotland: one award of £15,000 and one of £45,000. For artists based in Wales: one award of £47,500. UK & International colboarations: five awards of up to £50,000)
What:Your work can fall into any of the following artforms: drama, dance, music, visual arts, literature, and/or combined arts. International awards includes above artforms as well as fashion, architecture, and film.
Who:The UK Open Awards are open to: professional disabled artists and/or a disabled-led companies based in England, Scotland, or Wales, aged 18+, not in full-time education. The same applies to the International Open Awards while the work must facilitate a meaningful collaboration with a disabled artist/collective based in one of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries (listed here).
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

BigCi

The BigCi Environmental Awards

Australian & International artists from various fields are invited to submit entries for a chance to win $4,000 and 4 week residency by the Blue Mountains.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Announcement of the winners: 1st November 2023. Last closed: 2nd October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: $4,000 & Residency (2 winners will each receive a 4 week residency and $4,000 spending money)
What:“Your submission must show how you will respond to the environmental issues of the day using your chosen medium. Relevance to the location on the edge of the Wollemi National Park in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains is essential. The Greater Blue Mountains is an area of stunning scenic beauty, with its own unique flora, fauna and geomorphology. BigCi is located only 1.5 hours drive from Sydney, Australia’s biggest city, yet it is in a dramatically different world. We are looking for inspirational projects that will be executed within the residency time frame. You can choose to deal with relevant environmental or natural science issues, explore ideas and concepts related to nature, or use this opportunity to creatively respond to the unique wilderness on our doorstep and the current challenges it faces. The focus of the Award is on the environment. This is open to a wide range of interpretations, allowing you to work on aspects that are of most interest to you and fit best with your artistic practice.”
Who:International and Australian artists from various fields – visual art, installation, multimedia, performance, literature, music, photography, film making, curating.
Past:2022 Award Winners
Fees:$35 entry fee.
Site:Enter here

Toolip

Toolip Art Contest

The second outing of the international art competition with over €10,000 of prizes and a group exhibition at the Mrs Toolip Art Gallery in Barcelona.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Announcement of the 30 finalists: 12th October. Last closed: 3rd October 2023.
Prize:
    • 1st Prize: €6,000
    • 2nd Prize: €3,000
    • 3rd Prize: €1,500
Show:Mrs. Toolip Art Gallery, Barcelona (16 Nov – 16 Dec 2023)
What:All kinds of artworks are allowed in the art contest such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and NFTs, except A.I art.
Who:UK & International artists
Past:2022 Award Winners
Fees:1 artwork: €50, 2 artworks: €90, 3 artworks: €120
Site:Enter here

The John Ruskin Prize

The John Ruskin Prize

Organised by the fine people at The Big Draw and Guild of St. George this biennale prize aims to uphold the beliefs of the critic John Ruskin.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The selection panel will shortlist up to 40 artists and will be announced by email to all entrants (date TBA). Last closed: 5th October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: 3,000
  • Second Prize: £2,000
  • Alan Davidson Prize: £1,000 (for artists, designers and makers aged under 26)
  • International Prize: £1,000 (for artists outside of the UK working in any medium, submissions must be digital in format as work will be viewed, judged and exhibited digitally)
  • Kate Mawson Prize for Innovation: £1,000 (celebrating innovation and creativity for all artists, designers and makers working in any materials)
Show:Trinity Buoy Wharf, London (1-18 Feb 2024)
What:All Media. Theme: “Seeing the Unseen, Hearing the Unspoken“.
Who:UK & International artists (over 18)
Past:The 5th Ruskin Prize was held in 2019, winners and exhibition info here
Fees:Standard entry: 1 artwork: £25; 2 artworks: £40; 3 artworks: £50, Under 26 entry: 1 artwork: £20; 2 artworks: £25; 3 artworks: £38 (International digital entry: 1 artwork; £15: 2 artworks: £20; 3 artworks: £30)
Site:Enter here

Royal Institute of Oil Painters

Royal Institute of Oil Painters Annual Exhibition

British art society founded in 1882 to promote and exhibit work exclusively in oil paint. This year sees a prize fund of over £7,000.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Check this link from 12 noon on 20th October to see if your work has been selected. Last closed: 6th October 2023.
Prize:
  • Phyllis Roberts Award: £2,000 (for artist 30 or under)
  • Alan Gourley Memorial Award: £1,000 (for a painting of outstanding merit)
  • W&N Young Artist Award 1st Prize: £1,000 (for artist 30 or under)
  • ROI Themed Painting Prize: £500 (for standout painting within the 2023 theme ‘Urban Life’)
  • W&N Young Artist Award 2nd Prize: £600 (for artist 30 or under)
  • W&N Young Artist Award 3rd Prize: £400 (for artist 30 or under)
  • Stanley Grimm Prizes: £700 (£400 & £300 prizes from visitor votes)
  • Tony Merrick Memorial Prize: £250
  • ROI Emerging Artist Prize: £250 (for artist 30 or under)
  • Small Painting Prize: £250 (30.5cm max inc. frame)
  • W&N Non-member Award: £150 (of art materials)
Show:Mall Galleries, London (29 Nov – 16 Dec 2023)
What:2023 Theme: ‘Urban Life’. Oils. Acrylic and water-soluble oil paint is acceptable if framed as an oil.
Who:UK & international artists (over 18)
Past:2022 Award Winners
Fees:£20 per work (max 6, £14 if under 35)
Site:Enter here

Discerning Eye Drawing Bursary

Discerning Eye Drawing Bursary

Five artists will be shortlisted for the Bursary and an exhibition of their selected work will be shown at the Mall Galleries, London.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:The winner will be announced on 16 November 2023. Last closed: 10th October 2023.
Prize:
  • Drawing Bursary: £1,500
  • 4 Runner’s Up Prizes: £150
Show:Mall Galleries, London (16-26 Nov 2023)
What:Drawing not exceeding 50cm square or 20 square inches including the frame.
Who:UK residents only
Fees:£5 per artist
Site:Enter here

Jameel Prize

Jameel Prize 7

The seventh edition of the V&A’s triennial award is devoted to moving image and new media work, inspired by Islamic art, culture, history, or ideas.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Finalists will be announced in November 2023. Last closed: 15th October 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: €25,000
Show:Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London (Winter 2024)
What:Jameel Prize 7 has a thematic focus on moving image and new media work. Moving image encompasses film, video, and installation, while new media describes contemporary practices that engage with digital technologies – both established and emerging – including animation, virtual reality, 3D printing and the internet. Alongside artists and designers working in these areas, we invite applications from those using digital media to advance and reinvent analogue and hand-made art and design practices. How is traditional craft evolving in response to new technologies? In what ways is design adapting to innovation in the digital realm? How does innovation intersect contemporary art? Do not propose new work for Jameel Prize 7. Your work must already exist at the time of application, and have been made in the last five years (2018 or later).
Who:UK & International artists
Past:jameel Prize 6 Winner – Ajlan Gharem
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

New Emergence Art Prize

New Emergence Art Prize

The fifth outing from the artist led platform intended to help showcase and support under represented artists from around the world.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announcement: 23rd October 2023. Last closed: 16th October 2023.
Prize:
  • 1st Prize: £1,000 (and permanent website feature in online gallery)
What:Accepted media include but are not limited to: paintings, drawings, original prints, photography, sculptures, digitally produced artworks, mixed media constructions, video, sound, digital applications and installations.
Who:UK and international artists (over 18)
Past:Previous winners and shortlisted artists
Fees:1 work: £12, 2 works: £20, 3 works: £25 (fees go towards prize money and admin costs)
Site:Enter here

British Art Prize 2023

British Art Prize 2023

UK art competition from the people that bring you Artists & Illustrators with a prize fund value of over £10,000 and London exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist of 50 artists will be announced online on 24 November 2023. Dealine extended from 28th September. Last closed: 16th October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £3,000 (A £2,500 cash prize from Adobe & £500 Royal Talens gift voucher, plus feature in Artists & Illustrators and work shown at gallery@oxo, London)
  • Second Prize: £1,500 (£1,000 cash prize from Adobe & £500 Derwent gift voucher, magazine feature & show)
  • Third Prize: £500 (£500 Pegasus Art Supplies gift voucher, magazine feature & show)
  • People’s Choice Award: £1,000 (£1,000 Atlantis Art Materials vouche, magazine feature & show)
  • Shortlisted Artists: £50 (£50 art materials voucher from Atlantis for each of the 50 short-listed artists)
Show:Gallery@Oxo, London (January 2024)
What:Medium: painting. No criteria concerning size, materials, or style.
Who:Open to anyone
Past:View the 2022 winners.
Fees:£17 for 1st artwork (£14 per additional artwork, free for The British Art Club members)
Site:Enter here

Dare 2023 2024

Dare Art Prize

Challenging artists and scientists to collaborate on new approaches to the creative process, awarded by the University of Leeds and Opera North.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Last closed: 16th October 2023
Prize:
  • First Prize: £15,000(£10,000 bursary, £5,000 for resources)
Residency:The Tetley, Leeds (September 2021)
What:Any artform or channel – a performance, a poem, an interactive website or a song cycle for example.
Who:UK based artists
Fees:No entry fee (submit 500 word proposal)
Site:Enter here

Dorset Art Prize 2022

Dorset Art Prize

Bournemouth & Poole College invite Dorset based artists in 3 age categories to submit their artworks for a chance to win over £5,000 of prizes.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winners notified at date TBA. Last closed: 22nd October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000 (for age categories 16-18 & adult, age category 11-16: £500)
  • 2nd Prize: £750 (16-18 & adult, 11-16: £250)
  • 3rd Prize: £500 (16-18 & adult, 11-16: £100)
Show:Giant Gallery, Bournemouth (24th November 2023)
What:The theme of the Dorset Art Prize this year is: Environment. All participants should respond to this theme, how they respond and in what genre of creativity is open. All forms of visual arts permitted including: Photography, Animation, Digital Fine Art, Graphic Art, Illustration and any other visual art specialism.
Who:Dorset based artists only. Age group categories: 11-16, 16-18 and 18+ open.
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Visit Website

Amplify Art Contest

Zealous Amplify: Environment

Free to enter UK wide competition designed to celebrate the most impactful works related to environmental themes.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Raising money for Arts Catalyst, a visual arts organisation and charity based in Sheffield, UK, who are enabling people in South Yorkshire and beyond to engage in creative experiences that increase ecological awareness, encourage positive social action and open up new ways of learning about the world around us. Last closed: 23rd October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000
  • Second Prize: £250
  • Third Prize: £150
  • Public Vote: £100 (Amazon voucher)
Show:Online exhibition, opens 10th Oct 2022
Jury:Judges include Laura Clarke – Artistic Director of Arts Catalyst, Polly Bates – Founder of ‘Artists Responding To…’, Clare Dudeney – Associate for Sustainability First, Sinead McCoy – Coastal Communities Manager for Clean Coasts, Sarah Durcan – Executive Director of Science Gallery London.
What:Work focusing on the environment. Zealous are less concerned with the medium of the work submitted and more interested in its impact and believe a piece of art, theatre, poetry, sculpture, game, and all types of mediums can all sit side-by-side in making positive change.
Who:UK residents only
Fees:No entry fee (option to donate)
Site:Enter here

LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize

Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2024

Free to enter international award celebrating excellence in craftmanship with a 50,000 Euro first prize and Paris group show in Spring 2024.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Shortlist announced by end of January 2024. Last closed: 25th October 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: €50,000
  • Special Mentions: €5,000 (number to be determined)
Show:New York Exhibition (Spring 2023)
What:Make sure the work: demonstrates artistic intent in addition to technical proficiency is an original piece, handmade or partly handmade, is recently created (in the last five years), and one-of-a-kind, and has not won any prizes previously, is innovative, in the sense that it updates tradition, falls within an area of the applied arts, such as ceramics, bookbinding, enamelwork, jewellery, lacquer, metal, furniture, leather, textiles, glass, paper, wood, etc.
Who:UK and international artists (age 18 and over)
Past:2023 Winner & Finalists
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

This is Diabetes

This Is Diabetes Photo & Art Competition

Seeks submissions of photos and artwork that illustrate the importance of access to diabetes care. Win the opportunity to donate up to €6,000.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Winners announced: 14th November 2023. Last closed: 31st October 2023.
Prize:
  • Winner: €6,000 (donation to diabetes charity of choice)
  • Runners-Up: €3,000 (donation of choice)
  • Runners-Up: €1,000 (donation of choice)
What:Art and photography that raises awareness about diabetes and the need for proper care. Submissions that capture the genuine challenges and day-to-day realities faced by diabetes patients. This is Diabetes would like to see the raw, unfiltered emotions that people with diabetes encounter. Whether it’s the burdens, day-to-day struggles, proud moments or triumphs. You can share your story about your access to care, how you manage your health each day, and moments that make you feel thankful or proud on your diabetes journey. Submissions must be in the form of graphic 2D static artwork or photographs and should be submitted electronically. Videos, animations, sculptures, and entries created using AI or generators will not be accepted.
Who:UK & International artists (18+)
Site:Enter here

NordArt 2024

NordArt 2024

A non-profit cultural initiative based in Büdelsdorf, Germany which organises NordArt, one of the largest contemporary art exhibitions in Europe.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:More than 200 selected artists will be notified by email or post and published on the NordArt website by early March 2024. Last closed: 31st October 2023.
Prize:
  • NordArt Prize: €10,000
  • Public Choice Awards: €1,000 (3 awards of €1,000 each)
Show:Kunstwerk Carlshütte, Büdelsdorf, Germany (1 June – 13 October 2024)
What:Any media.
Who:UK & International artists
Past:View the 2022 Prize Winners (in Danish)
Fees:No entry fee
Site:Enter here

Artworks Open

Artworks Open

Annual show from the Barbican Arts Group Trust that’s been running since 2009. Each year two different contemporary artists are chosen to select the shortlist.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Notification of selection: 7th November. Last closed: 2nd November 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000 (2 x winners will each receive £1,000 cash and solo show)
  • Other Prizes: (2 x 6 week Residencies and £250 materials prize & limited edition Giclée print with share of sales)
Show:Artworks Project Space, London (2-10 Dec 2023)
What:2D and 3D works (no bigger than 100cm in height, width or depth)
Who:UK and International artists
Past:Last year’s show catalogue
Fees:1 work: £12, 2 works: £24, 3 works: £33, 4 works: £40. (max: 4 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Royal Cambrian Academy of Art

Royal Cambrian Academy of Art Open Exhibition

The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art invites submissions for its open exhibition dedicated to encouraging and portraying diversity within art.

Close:TBA ecurrently closed
News:Selection notification: 1st December 2023. Last closed: 21st November 2023.
Prize:
  • Selector’s Prize: £1,000
Show:Royal Cambrian Academy of Art gallery, Conwy  (6 Jan – 24 Feb 2024)
What:Works may be 2D or 3D and in any medium and within the maximum size limit of 100cm x 100cm for 2D and a 100cm x 100cm footprint for 3D.
Who:UK based artists and students (18 and over)
Past:View the 2023 Exhibition
Fees:£15 for first work (£25 for 2 artworks, £10 for students, max 2 artworks)
Site:Enter here

The Pastel Society

The Pastel Society Exhibition

The Pastel Society seeks the best in contemporary dry media, combining traditional skills with creative originality for their 125th Annual Exhibition.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:Selection notification: check here on 6th December at noon. Last closed: 24th November 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £2,000 (for the best non-member picture in the exhibition)
  • Yoshimoto Prize: £1,000 (for an outstanding work, in any dry medium, by a non-member)
  • President’s Prize: £500
  • Bob Last Prize: £400
  • Young Artist Award: £200
  • Art Critic Award: £50
  • Unison Young Artist Award: £500 (pastels up to £500 for the year, & 1 year mentorship)
  • Various other awards and prizes.
Show:Mall Galleries, London (24 Jan – 10 Feb 2024)
What:Pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, pencil, conte, sanguine, or any dry media. Work must be for sale, min price: £400.
Who:UK and international artists (18+)
Past:View the 2022 Exhibition
Fees:£20 per work, £14 if under 35 (max 6 artworks)
Site:Enter here

Highland Art Prize

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:TBA currently closed
News:The winning artwork will be selected by an independent judge during the course of the Royal National Mòd week, to be announced at a prize giving ceremony at 12.30pm on Friday 20th October 2023. Last closed: 15th September 2023.
Prize:
  • First Prize: £1,000 (the winning artist will also have the opportunity to mount an exhibition during 2024 in a street-front space at The Briggait cultural hub in central Glasgow.)
Show:BADA Week reception in London (17th Nov 2023)
What:All medium and styles are welcomed  (submissions must be original works produced within the last 2 years.)
Who:Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have completed a post-secondary education at a UK institution.
Fees:Free to enter
Site:Enter here

Anthology Cover Art Award

Anthology Cover Art Award

The winner will receive a €1,000 cash prize and publication on the cover of Anthology magazine as well as editorial coverage.

Close:TBA currently closed
News:All entrants will be notified of the result by email. Last closed: 30th November 2023
Prize:
  • First Prize: €1,000 (plus cover and editorial feature and one year subscription)
  • 2nd Prize: €250
  • 3rd Prize: €150
What:Open to multiple genres including painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography and digital media.
Who:UK & International artists
Fees:Very Early Bird: €12 – up to 31 Jan 2023, Early Bird: €15 – up to 31 May, Standard: €18 – up to 30 Sep
Site:Enter here

Prize Closures

. The National Open Art Prize (running since 1996) has closed until further notice.

The End!

And so concludes this UK Art Competitions list. I’ll keep adding more competition dates when they’re announced. Good luck if you decide to enter and let me know if you win! Back to top