VISUAL ART OPEN 2022
Welcome
to the
VAO Art Awards
The Visual Art Open competition is a not-for-profit event open to both amateur and professional artists based in the UK and internationally. The aim is to give artists the ultimate platform to develop their passion and career in the arts sector. Finalists will benefit from exhibiting, selling and showcasing their work to art critics and buyers alike.
The VAO art competition is currently running in its seventh consecutive year and is open to both amateur and professional artists.
Categories
There are five key categories for entrants to apply to:
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Painting & Mixed Media & Printmaking
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Illustration & Drawing
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Sculpture
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Photography / Digital Art
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Young Artist (16 - 24 years old)
Key Dates VAO22
Phase 1
Wednesday 29th Sept 2021- Phase 1 Applications Open
Wednesday 15th Dec 2021 - Phase 1 Applications Close
Phase 2
Monday 10th Jan 2022 - Phase 2 Applications Open
Wednesday 23th Mar 2022 - Phase 2 Applications Close
Phase 3
Monday 11th April 2022 - Phase 3 Applications Open
Thursday 23rd June 2022 - Phase 3 Applications Close
Announcements
Shortlisted Artists Announced – July 2022
Finalists Announced – August 2022
Winners Announced - November 2022
VAO2022 PRIZE FUND WORTH £10,000
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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Art Voucher or Art Supplies
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
All Finalists will be awarded:
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Additional Online Promotion
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Certificate of Achievement
ALL SUBMISSIONS will receive promotion on social media and email coverage to 60,000, plus an invitation to the annual show.
Why Apply to the VAO22 Art Prize?
1. As all artists know, art competitions are a really great way to announce your presence in the art world. Applying to the VAO gives you the chance to showcase yourself and make connections with art enthusiasts, critics, and purchasers alike.
2. The VAO offers a fun, constructive and professional environment in which to learn, to be inspired by other artists and build your own skills and self-confidence.
3. As each round of judging passes, your work will be promoted across our social media and website as well as the opportunity to be featured in the regional and national press, opening your work to a greater audience.
4. You will have the chance to win not only a cash prize but also a commercial mentoring package to further develop your work and career as an artist and a spot at next year’s exhibition.
TESTIMONIALS
“lovely experience participating in a competition like this with lovely humans that help us artists in any way they can!
Awesome experience overall".
"Thank you so much for the opportunity to showcase my work I have really enjoyed the experience and I will definitely be interested in applying in future events".
Codruta Panaite
Ruth Baker
“Holly and I found the experience of entering the VAO 2020 really positive. It has been great getting our names and art out there. Not just as a collaboration but also as individuals. It has boasted both of our confidence in producing more work which is what we both needed. We are both now doing more commissions and selling our own creative pieces. "
"I am so grateful to the Visual Art Open and to this year's judging panel for seeing and believing in my artwork and its potential.
Ashton Blyth
Jonathan Harvey-Thomas
The Visual Art Open is proud to be in partnership with the
The Fastest Growing Community of Artists Online
The leading membership organisation for Visual Artists globally; who help artists of all levels achieve their business ambitions.
We are committed to supporting visual artists developing their businesses commercially - increasing Sales and their Visibility. Our experienced team have been working successfully with independent artists over the past decade. The VAA platform has been created to champion artists at all stages of their careers to succeed in the business of art.
Why Join The Visual Artist Association?
FREE Public Liability Insurance - Get instant access to a range of legal documents and help including Public + Products Liability insurance (£5 Million) for your art business.
Artist Support Community
Network with the rest of the Association and Artists globally along with our directory of galleries + publishers.
The VAA’s Vault
Receive a range of articles with information, tips + tricks on how to grow + maintain your art business
Skills And Training
Constantly push yourself + your career with training programmes from increasing online sales to webinars from featured
Artists
The value of VAA membership has never been greater – from enhanced sales opportunities and a wider global community to access the latest professional insights, guidance and marketing technologies.
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We are an inclusive arts membership organisation and welcome new members.
Choose a Membership Package that is right for you and become a member for as little as £4.50 a month
