About the Open Call

Welcome to the 11th annual edition of the Visual Art Open Prize. Our mission is to celebrate and showcase the diverse talents of artists at every stage of their journey, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. The £10,000 prize fund gives artists validation and visibility on a global platform, including a finalist exhibition at the iconic Minster Building in central London. Our esteemed judging panel spans commercial galleries, museums, art media, and academia, ensuring a wide range of expertise and perspectives. The VAO Art Prize is a unique opportunity to gain exposure, connect with collectors and art enthusiasts, and advance your career. Alongside cash prizes, artists benefit from exhibition opportunities and professional development support in partnership with the Visual Artists Association. The Visual Art Open is more than an art competition, it’s a platform to elevate your creative journey. By entering, you’ll connect with a thriving artistic community, gain valuable exposure across digital and physical spaces, and showcase your work to influential figures in the art world. Unlike many competitions, the VAO promotes artists at every stage – not only those who receive the final accolades. Every artist who enters benefits from dedicated profiling opportunities, while finalists are showcased in the prestigious London exhibition and enjoy additional exposure through our online platforms. Open to artists of all levels globally, with diverse categories and a strong commitment to inclusivity, the VAO welcomes artists at every stage of their career to share their unique voice, celebrate individuality, and take their practice to the next level, receive exclusive benefits through the Visual Artists Association. The VAO is proud to partner with the Visual Artists Association, a leading professional organisation dedicated to supporting visual artists worldwide. Its members gain access to an extensive range of resources designed to nurture both artistic and professional growth – from expert-led workshops and networking opportunities to essential business services, including legal advice and insurance. The VAA empowers artists to develop, promote, and sustain their creative practice at every stage of their career.

What is Offered

The Visual Art Open (VAO) awards a prestigious £10,000 prize fund. Overall Winner receives £2,000 cash prize, a solo show in London, exhibition in London, VAA Premium Annual Membership, VAA Annual Mentorship Programme, VAA Momentum Programme, and a Certificate of Achievement. Category Winners receive £250 cash prize, VAA Premium Annual Membership, VAA Momentum Programme, exhibition in London, additional online promotion, and a Certificate of Achievement. All finalists receive an invitation to exhibit their work at the Minster Building for the London Art Exhibition of Finalists, gain wider visibility through VAA’s digital platforms and partner networks with additional online promotion, and receive a Certificate of Achievement. All submissions receive featured exposure across social media channels and email promotion to over 60,000 subscribers.

Requirements

Open to artists of all levels globally, including emerging talents, seasoned professionals, students, and art educators. Submissions are accepted in categories such as Painting, Sculpture, Drawing & Illustration, Mixed Media, Collage & Printmaking, Photography & Digital Art.

How to Apply

Applications are open via the Visual Art Open website. Visit https://visual-artists.org/vao26-application-page/ to apply.