UK &
International
Emerging Artist
Awards
Welcome to the 9th annual edition of the Visual Art Open Prize (VAO). 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 in central London. Our esteemed judging panel is varied, from commercial galleries, to the museum sector, as well as professionals from the art media and academia.
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The VAO Art Prize offers unparalleled exposure and an opportunity for artists to sell their artwork to an audience of over a million art collectors and enthusiasts alike. A prize fund of over £10,000 includes cash prizes, exhibition opportunities and career development support in partnership with the Visual Artists Association.
PRIZE
FUND
Curious to know why it is important to enter the VAO and how it will benefit you? The VAO is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and share your unique vision with art enthusiasts and industry leaders. With a range of categories and a commitment to inclusivity, we encourage artists of all backgrounds to submit their work and express their individuality.
ALL SUBMISSIONS
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Receive promotion on social media and email coverage to 60,000, plus an invitation to the annual show.
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All Finalists will be awarded:
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Additional Online Promotion
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Certificate of Achievement​
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Dedicated event content for personal use
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A chance to take part in Finalists Show
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Additional Profiling through VAA
All Category Winners Receives:
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£250 Cash Prize*
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Premium Annual Membership with the Visual Artists Association
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Art Exhibition of Finalists in London
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Additional Online Promotion
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Certificate of Achievement
Overall Winner Receives:
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£2,000 Cash Prize*
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Certificate of Achievement
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Premium Annual Membership with the Visual Artists Association
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Annual Mentorship Programme
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Momentum Programme
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Solo Show/Art Exhibition in London
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WHY
ENTER
Curious to know why it is important to enter the VAO and how
it will benefit you? The VAO is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and share your unique vision with art enthusiasts and industry leaders. With a range of categories and a commitment to inclusivity, we encourage artists of all backgrounds to submit their work and express their individuality.
ELIGIBILITY: AN EXCLUSIVE ART PRIZE
Open to artists of all levels globally, we invite you to take part and see where this experience takes you. Discover your potential, and showcase your talent - all artwork entries are shared on VAO’s social media channels, and artists will receive exclusive benefits with the VAA, in addition to entering the prize fund and exhibition competition. The VAO is a not-for-profit art prize.
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The VAO receives no Arts Council funding and is paid for through registration fees, donations, art sales, advertising and sponsorship.
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Proudly Sponsored
by the VAA
The VAO has partnered with the Visual Artists Association (VAA), a leading professional body for visual artists. The VAA is the fastest-growing artists' support company globally with a whopping 25,000 community members! Artists are supported with access to resources, workshops, networking and business services (legal helpline, insurance) and much more.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists in this year's awards. The VAO showcases diverse and high-quality works by artists often excluded from mainstream art. It is an exciting major international competition offering artists the chance to be recognised globally and reach art collectors. The goal is to make art accessible and impactful together.”
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Shirley-Ann O’Neill, Director, VAA
“Being the overall winner of VAO has opened so many doors for me. Not only was I able to meet so many incredible people, but I was also able to really jumpstart my career as a young artist. Thank you so much to you all!"
Isabel Couceiro
Interested to learn more about the VAA and how they could support your career?
Laura O’Hare, Director at the VAA shares her insights on what’s on offer and how artists can get involved.