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UK &
International
Emerging Artist
Awards
Welcome to the 11th annual edition of the Visual Art Open Prize. 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 at the iconic Minster Building in central London. Our esteemed judging panel spans commercial galleries, museums, art media, and academia, ensuring a wide range of expertise and perspectives.
The VAO Art Prize is a unique opportunity to gain exposure, connect with collectors and art enthusiasts, and advance your career. Alongside cash prizes, artists benefit from exhibition opportunities and professional development support in partnership with the Visual Artists Association.
PRIZE
FUND
The Visual Art Open awards a prestigious £10,000 prize fund, designed to recognise and elevate outstanding artistic talent on an international stage. Alongside significant cash awards, winners gain access to high-profile exhibition opportunities, tailored professional development, and exclusive membership benefits.
With a focus on long-term impact, the VAO provides not only recognition but also meaningful career advancement and visibility within the contemporary art world.
Overall Winners Prize
£2,000 Prize | A financial award to support your artistic journey and upcoming projects.
Solo Show in London | Showcase your work in a dedicated solo exhibition in a leading London venue.
London Art Exhibition of Finalists | Exhibit your art at the iconic Minster Building, London
VAA Premium Annual Membership | Access benefits, professional resources, and expert support.
VAA Annual Mentorship Programme | Tailored support from VAA professionals to elevate your career.
VAA Momentum Programme | Build your creative business through focused development.
Certificate of Achievement | Official recognition of your artistic excellence and commitment.
Categories
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Painting
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Sculpture
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Drawing & Illustration
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Mixed Media, Collage & Printmaking
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Photography & Digital Art
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Student Artist
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Art Educator
Category Prizes
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£250 Cash Prize | Support for your artistic growth.
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VAA Premium Annual Membership | Exclusive resources.
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VAA Momentum Programme | Grow your creative business.
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London Art Exhibition of Finalists | Showcase your artwork.
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Additional Online Promotion | Extra exposure online.
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Certificate of Achievement | Recognition of excellence.
All Finalists Will Receive
An invitation to exhibit your work among top finalists at the historic Minster Building for the London Art Exhibition of Finalists.
Gain wider visibility through VAA’s digital platforms and partner networks with Additional Online Promotion.
Receive official recognition of your artistic skill, dedication, and accomplishment with the Certificate of Achievement.
FINALISTS PRIZE
EVERY
ENTRY
All Submissions Will Receive
Featured Exposure Across Social Media Channels
Your work will be promoted to a growing community of art lovers, curators, and collectors across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Email Promotion to Our 60,000+ Subscribers
Gain exposure to a community of 60,000+ art lovers, galleries, and buyers via selective email highlights.
The Visual Art Open is more than an art competition, it’s a platform to elevate your creative journey. By entering, you’ll connect with a thriving artistic community, gain valuable exposure across digital and physical spaces, and showcase your work to influential figures in the art world.
Unlike many competitions, the VAO promotes artists at every stage – not only those who receive the final accolades. Every artist who enters benefits from dedicated profiling opportunities, while finalists are showcased in the prestigious London exhibition and enjoy additional exposure through our online platforms.
Open to artists of all levels globally, with diverse categories and a strong commitment to inclusivity, the VAO welcomes artists at every stage of their career to share their unique voice, celebrate individuality, and take their practice to the next level, receive exclusive benefits through the Visual Artists Association.
The VAO receives no Arts Council funding and is paid for through registration fees, donations, art sales, advertising and sponsorship.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists in this year's awards. The Visual Art Open 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.”
Shirley-Ann O’Neill, Director, VAA
The VAO is proud to partner with the Visual Artists Association, a leading professional organisation dedicated to supporting visual artists worldwide.
Representing a thriving global community of over 25,000 members, the VAA is one of the fastest-growing artist support networks in the world. Its members gain access to an extensive range of resources designed to nurture both artistic and professional growth – from expert-led workshops and networking opportunities to essential business services, including legal advice and insurance.
The VAA empowers artists to develop, promote, and sustain their creative practice at every stage of their career.
PROUDLY
SPONSORED
BY THE 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
APPLICATION FEES
Showcase your talent, gain visibility, and be part of a vibrant community celebrating contemporary art. Whether you're an emerging voice or an established artist, the Visual Art Open offers a platform to elevate your practice.
Standard Pricing
1 artwork – £20
2 artworks – £30
3 artworks – £40
4 artworks – £50
5 artworks – £60
Student Artist & Art Educator Pricing
1 artwork – £8
2 artworks – £14
3 artworks – £20
4 artworks – £25
5 artworks – £30
