The VAO competition is currently running in its fourth consecutive year and is open to both amateur and professional artists.

The primary goal of the awards is to reveal and establish artists' profiles in the contemporary art world. 

Prize Fund Worth £8000

Overall Winner Receives:

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• Cash prize

• Solo Show at Chester Arts Fair

• Annual Mentorship Programme  

• International Online Global Art Exhibition of Finalists

• Free Career Development Talks

• 20% Discount with Cass Art

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All Category Winners Receives:

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• £250 cash prize 

• Finalists will be exhibited at Chester Arts Fair 2020

ALL SUBMISSIONS will receive promotion on social media and email coverage to 50,000, plus an invitation to the annual show.

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Key Dates

25 September 2019 - Applications Open

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10 December 2019 - Phase One Applications Close

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29th February 2020 - Phase Two Applications Close

1st April – Phase Three Applications open – Create Art 4 Hope

20th June – Phase Three Applications close

28th August 2020 - Stage One Results Announced

30th September 2020 - Stage Two Judging Selection

7th October 2020  - Finalist Email Announcement

November 2020 - Exhibition of all 30 shortlisted works from the VAO at Chester Arts Fair 2020, winners announced

November 2020 - VAO200 Overall Winner Exhibition at Chester Arts Fair 2021