The VAO art competition is currently running in its Sixth 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 £8,000

Overall Winner Receives:

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• Cash prize

• Certificate 

• Solo Show at Deepbridge 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 

• Certificate

• Finalists will be exhibited at Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair 

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 VAO21

1st October 2020 - Phase 1 Applications Open

15th December 2020 - Phase 1 Applications Close

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8th January 2021 - Phase 2 Applications Open

15th March 2021 - Phase 2 Applications Close

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Phase 3 - Dates to be Announced

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Monday 30th August 2021- Shortlisted Artists Announced  

Monday 27th Sept 2021- Finalists Announced

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Friday 12TH - 14th November 2021 - Finalists Exhibition at Deepbridge Chester Arts Fair & 2021 Winner Announced