The Y Talent Award 2025

About the Open Call

The 'Y Talent Award' is an international visual arts competition designed to celebrate and support exceptional young artists aged 13 to 18 from around the world. It is a collaborative initiative between Y Art Centre, founded by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Yue Minjun, and Ruthin School, one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. A panel of three art professionals and honorary members of the Y Art Centre will select ten prize winners, including one grand prize winner who will receive £1000 GBP in cash. All ten winners will be invited to exhibit their work at Ruthin School in the UK from October 24 to October 31, 2025. Judges seek a blend of creativity, technical prowess, and emotional resonance, looking for unique and innovative approaches to various visual art mediums. Originality, a distinctive artistic voice, the ability to convey a compelling narrative, and strong technical skill are highly valued. The competition also emphasizes pieces that evoke genuine emotions and provoke thoughtful reflection. The Y Art Centre, established under Ruthin International Arts (CIC), serves as an international arts platform focused on nurturing young artistic talents globally through cultural and artistic exchange. Ruthin School, located in North Wales, is a historic institution with over 700 years of experience in education, emphasizing the vital role of arts in a child's development. The award aims to provide an international platform for young artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their imagination and develop their skills.

What is Offered

The Y Talent Award Grand Prize winner will receive £1000 GBP in cash. All shortlisted artists and winners will be awarded official certificates. Entry to the competition is free.

Requirements

Applicants must be young artists aged between 13 to 18 from any country. Artwork can be on any topic or theme. Visual artwork submissions can include drawings, installations, mixed media, models, painting, performance, photography, print, sculpture, sound-based art, textile, or video. All entries must be accompanied by a short description of no more than 100 words. Submissions must be the applicant's original work, not copies or recreations of existing pieces. Art created by AI will not be accepted. Only one artwork per artist is allowed.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted electronically through the online system by 15 August 2025, 12 noon (GMT). Shortlisted artists will be notified via the Y Talent Award website and email by 20 August 2025. All shortlisted artworks are required to be delivered by post or in person to Ruthin School (Mold Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1EE, UK) by 6 October, 12 noon, to be considered for the final prizes and the exhibition.