Our pick of the biggest and best UK and International Art Competitions 2023 with dates, deadlines, prizes and entry fees…
All competitions are not for everyone, It depends on contests, every conests have their different prizes or Entry fees like – Some are free to enter some are cash, Some Contests have specific age limit to participate.
By Participation we learn or try to learn different things in specific things and develop ourselves.
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: | 11th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist date TBA. |
| Prize: | First Prize: £1,5002 x Highly Commended: £500Ceramics First Prize: £1,000Ceramics Commended: £500Emerging Woman Artist: £1,000People’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 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: | 11th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist TBC |
| 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 |
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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: | 11th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Young Artists competition closes 12th November 2023. |
| Prize: | First Prize: £2,000Charlotte 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 has joined forces with Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle to offer a £5,000 cash prize and a bespoke fragrance to the winner.
| Close: | 15th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Last held in 2018. Previous winner. |
| 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 |
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: | 16th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlisted artists will be notified by mail. Works must be delivered between 12-16 June in person or by carrier. |
| Prize: | Adult 1st Prize: £1,200Adult 2nd Prize: £600Adult 3rd Prize: £300Ages 12-17 Winner: £100Ages 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 |
Snooks Trail – Artist Call Out
Artists and illustrators across the country are invited to take the Yorkshire bookish theme and submit designs for a brand-new sculpture trail for York.
| Close: | 23rd June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Designs will be presented to sponsors in July for final selections. |
| Prize: | Fee: £1,000 (30 selected artists will receive £1,000 each, 30% paid up front, 70% on completion) |
| What: | Download the Artist Information Pack, Theme Inspiration Sheet, Snooks Template and Snooks Dimensions. The trail will see up to 30 Snooks with Books around the city. Each sculpture will be sponsored by local businesses, who will be paired with an artist to create a bespoke design for each sculpture inspired by the stories of Yorkshire authors. The Snooks are so immersed in the books they’re reading; the pages have spilled out and they, themselves are now the embodiment of the stories. |
| Who: | UK based artists and illustrators |
| Fees: | Free to enter |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | 25th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Winner announced by end of September 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
Open call for the Summer Exhibition from the contemporary gallery and exhibition space based in Altrincham, England.
| Close: | 25th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist: 5th July 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 |
Visual Art Open
The eighth year of the not-for-profit event open to both amateur and professional artists based in the UK and internationally.
| Close: | 26th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Longlisted Artists Announced – July 2023 |
| 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 2023 |
| What: | Drawing, printing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture and video |
| Who: | UK & International artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | £20 for 1 artwork (+£10 per additional artwork, 5 works maximum, £5 discount for under 24s) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Awards ceremony at The Hari in November 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
Organised by painters, for painters to promote current painting from UK based artists with group exhibitions in Huddersfield and London.
| Close: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Longlist on or before 23rd July (maximum 60 artists), shortlist on or before 30th July 2023 (minimum 12 artists) |
| 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: | Huddersfield Art Gallery, Huddersfield (16 Sep – 11 Nov 2023Thames-Side Studios Gallery, London (1–17 Dec 2023) |
| 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
Founded in 1994 as the Rexel Derwent Open then Jerwood Drawing Prize. Holds the largest prize fund celebrating drawing practice in the UK.
| Close: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | All applicants will be informed by email of the decision by the Selection Panel by 5pm on 20th July 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: £8,000Second Prize: £5,000Student 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
More than 35,000 species are threatened with extinction, submit your animal or wildlife art for exhibition & auction to help raise funds & awareness.
| Close: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist: 13th July 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
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: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Winner announced by week beginning 19 September 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 |
The Almenara Art Prize
International representational painting competition with more than $22,000 in cash awards and other prizes.
| Close: | 30th June 2023 enter now! |
| News: | First deadline 31st December 2022. Notification – 1st October 2023 |
| 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)6 Category Winners: $500 (Figurative, Portrait, Drawing, Landscape, Plein Air, Still Life) |
| Show: | Online exhibition, physical exhibition in Almenera, Spain TBA |
| What: | Figurative paintings including 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: | $42 for 1 artwork (+$22 per additional artwork, 4th artwork free) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | 5th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist notified by 6pm on 27th July. |
| 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 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: | 5th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Results live: 22nd 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 |
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: | 7th July 2023enter now! |
| News: | Successful Applications Notified: 21st July 2023 |
| Prize: | First Prize: £300Runner-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 |
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: | 9th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | People’s Choice voting opens: 9th August 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 |
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: | 9th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shortlist Announcement: 8th August 2023. |
| Prize: | 1st Prize: £2,0002nd Prize: £1,0003rd Prize: £500Young 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 |
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: | 16th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Winner announced by end of Autumn 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 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: | 17th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Regional winners announced: mid-October 2023. Overall winner announced: 21 November 2023. |
| Prize: | First Prize: £10,0005 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
International art prize from Australian based magazine Beautiful Bizarre for traditional and digital 2D + 3D artists, and photographers.
| Close: | 17th July 2023 enter now! |
| Date: | Shortlist of 140 Finalists announced between 15 – 19 August |
| 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 |
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: | 28th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Notification of selection: Friday 11 August, 12 noon. |
| 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: £500Murray’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
Formerly the Boynes Emerging Artist Award now updated to reflect its commitment to recognising emerging, mid-career and established artists.
| Close: | 30th July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Early Bird closed: 30th May, Finalists Announced: 18th August, Winners Announced, 25th August. |
| Prize: | Professional Artist Winner: $2,000Emerging 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 |
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: | 31st July 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Winners announced 14th August on website. |
| Prize: | 1st Prize: £2,500 (and solo exhibition at Art Unlimited, Bridport)People’s Choice Award: £500Best Concept: £300Best Creative Piece: £300Best 3D Piece: £30015-18s 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) |
| Fees: | Adults entry: £15, Under 18s: £10.00 (to submit up to 5 works) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | 29th August 2023 enter now! |
| 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. |
| 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
Annual exhibition that takes place on the Brighton seafront to showcase the work of artists based, born or educated in Sussex.
| Close: | 31st August 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Selection notification: 12th September 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 |
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: | 5th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Applicants whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified by the end of September. |
| Prize: | London Group Prize: £2,000Jeff Lowe Sculpture prize: £1,000JPES Partnership Prize: £1,000Vic Kuell Memorial Prize for Innovation: £1,000Under 35 Artist Prize: £1,000Schauerman Prize for Digital Art: £500Felix & 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
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: | 8th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Results announced in January 2024. Up to 125 artists are selected for publication in the Art Prize Anthology. |
| 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 |
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: | 10th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | All entrants will find out if their work has been shortlisted on 15th September via email. |
| 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
Now in its 11th year and welcoming submissions from visual artists working in any medium, from across the globe.
| Close: | 11th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Artists selected for the exhibition will be informed on 24th September. |
| Prize: | 1st Prize: £5002nd Prize: £250People’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 |
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: | 30th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | All entrants will be notified of the result by email. |
| Prize: | First Prize: €1,000 (plus cover and editorial feature and one year subscription)2nd Prize: €2503rd 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 |
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: | 30th September 2023 enter now! |
| News: | Shorlist: 1st November 2023 (24 finalists). |
| Prize: | 1st Prize: €20,0002nd Prize: €10,0003rd 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 |
Embracing Our Differences
Annual international outdoor juried art exhibit for adults and children featuring 50 billboard-size images celebrating diversity and inclusion.
| Close: | 5th October 2023 enter now! |
| News: | The 50 artists selected to exhibit will be notified by email in December. |
| Prize: | Best Adult: $1,000Best Student: $1,000People’s Choice: $1,000 |
| Show: | Multiple locations in Southwest Florida (January through May 2024) |
| What: | Artists are asked to submit their interpretation of the theme “enriching lives through diversity and inclusion.” 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 |
| 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.
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: | 8th September 2023 opens 3rd July 2023 |
| News: | Notification of selection: 26th August. Last closed: 19th August 2022 |
| Prize: | Birdwatch and Swarovski Optik Artist of the Year Award: £2,470 value (Swarovski Optik ATS 80 HD spotting scope with 25-50x zoom eyepiece & subscription to BirdGuides/Birdwatch)RSPB Award: £500 (worth of art materials)BIRDscapes Award: £1,000 (split between artist and conservation charity of their choice)Dry Red Press Award: (winning work reproduced as a greetings card) |
| Show: | Mall Galleries, London (13-22 Oct 2022) |
| What: | Work may be in any medium including painting, sculpture and original prints. |
| Who: | UK & International artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | £20 per work, £14 if under 35 (All work must be for sale & include commission of 45%+VAT) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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 £6,000.
| Close: | 6th October 2023 opens 17th July 2023 |
| News: | Pre-selection notification: 23rd September. Last closed: 9th September 2022 |
| 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)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: £250ROI Emerging Artist Prize: £250 (for artist 30 or under) |
| Show: | Mall Galleries, London (24 Nov – 10 Dec 2022) |
| What: | Oils. Acrylic and water-soluble oil paint is acceptable if framed as an oil. |
| Who: | UK & international artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | £20 per work (max 6, £14 if under 35) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | Shortlist TBA |
| Prize: | First Prize: 3,000Second Prize: £2,000Student Prize: £1,000 |
| Show: | Millennium Gallery, Sheffield (TBA) |
| What: | Architectural Glass |
| Who: | UK based artists. |
| Fees: | £12 for 1 artwork (£15 for 2 artworks and £20 for 3 artworks with reduced fees for students) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | Shortlist TBA |
| 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 (TBA) |
| What: | Paintings, drawings and original prints (excluding sculpture and photography) |
| Who: | UK & International artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | £20 per work, £14 if under 35 (max 3) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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 LondonGroup 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 |
Jerwood/FVU Awards
A major opportunity for two UK-based moving-image artists in the first five years of developing their professional practice.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | TBA |
| Prize: | First Prize: £25,000 (2 prizes of £25,000 each, comprising £6,000 artist fee and £19,000 production budget) |
| Show: | Leeds Art GalleryTBA and Jerwood Arts, LondonTBC |
| What: | Moving-image. |
| Who: | UK based artists or collaborative groups within five years of beginning their professional artistic practice. |
| Fees: | No Entry Fee |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: £10,000Bursaries: £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 |
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
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: £1,000Second Prize: £500Third Prize: £300 |
| Show: | Onlne exhibition & awards (TBC) |
| What: | Any media. |
| Who: | UK based artists (over 18) |
| Fees: | Free to enter |
| Site: | Enter here |
Women United Art Prize
A contemporary art prize aimed at celebrating global female artists working in 2D format, organized by the inclusive platform Art Mums United.
| Close: | TBA currently closed |
| News: | TBA |
| Prize: | Adult 1st Prize: €600 (plus online solo exhibition, interviews & 6 months Art Queens membership)Adult 2nd Prize: €400 (plus interviews and coaching session)Adult 3rd Prize: €200 (plus interviews and coaching session) |
| Show: | Online exhibition at Art Mums United |
| What: | Drawings, Paintings, Analog collages, Fiber art |
| Who: | UK & International women artists (including non-binary and trans creatives. Especially encouraging women artists of color to apply.) |
| Fees: | €8 per entry (Max 4 artworks) |
| Site: | Enter here |
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: £5,000Second Prize: £3,000Third Prize: £2,000 (25 years and under) |
| Show: | Touchstones Rochdale (12 Mar – 26 Jun 2022)Millennium Gallery, Sheffield (Jul – Oct 2022)Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (Nov 2022 – Feb 2023) |
| 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 |
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!
For more Competitions
Online Competitions | Art Competitions, Digital Art Competitions, Drawing Competitions, Free Competitions, Illustrator Competitions, International Competitions, Kids Competitions, Online Competitions
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