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VISUAL ART OPEN 2023 

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.

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

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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.

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WHY

APPLY

TO THE

VAO23

ART

PRIZE?

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VAO2022 PRIZE FUND WORTH £10,000


Overall Winner Receives:

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  • £2,000 Cash Prize

  • Certificate of Achievement 

  • Premium Annual Membership with the Visual Artists Association

  • Annual Mentorship Programme 

  • Momentum Programme 

  • Solo Show/Art Exhibition in London

  • Art Voucher or Art Supplies

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All Category Winners Receives:

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  • £250 Cash Prize 

  • Premium Annual Membership with the Visual Artists Association

  • Art Exhibition of Finalists in London

  • Additional Online Promotion 

  • Certificate of Achievement 

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All Finalists will be awarded:

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  • Additional Online Promotion 

  • Certificate of Achievement​

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ALL SUBMISSIONS will receive promotion on social media and email coverage to 60,000, plus an invitation to the annual show.

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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 

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