Celebrating a Milestone: The Visual Art Open Prize Marks Its 10th Anniversary
- Visual Art Open
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
The Visual Artists Association (VAA) proudly announces the launch of its 10th Anniversary of the Annual Visual Art Open Prize (VAO), a prestigious competition that continues to promote artistic excellence and creativity. Founded in 2015 by patrons Shirley-Ann O’Neill and Laura O’Hare, the awards were established to acknowledge emerging artists from a wide range of backgrounds and to promote viability and talent in the art community. With an impressive prize fund of £10,000, VAO offers aspiring artists not only financial support but also invaluable exhibition opportunities and career development assistance.
A Decade of Supporting Artists
For the past decade, the Visual Art Open Prize has provided a platform for over 20,000 artists and now features five diverse categories:
Painting, Mixed Media, and Print Making
Illustration & Drawing
Photography / Digital Art
Student Artist
Art Educators
Each submission is met with promotion on social media, ensuring that every artist receives visibility and recognition for their work. Additionally, all finalists are invited to participate in the annual exhibition in London, showcasing their talent to a wider audience. Category winners, alongside the overall winner, are given a 12-month programme to develop their creative career with mentoring support from the VAA.
An Esteemed Judging Panel
To maintain a fresh and dynamic selection process, the VAO features a panel of 14 esteemed judges that changes every year. The 2025 judging panel will include the 2024 VAO winner, Sofia Ruiz, a celebrated Costa Rican artist with numerous accolades, including the Women in Art Award and the Boynes Artist Award. Sofia's vision and experience will bring a unique perspective as she evaluates this year's entries.
The judges for the 2025 Visual Art Open Prize consist of a diverse group of experts in the art world, including:
Erin Remington - Director of Sales and Curators at Saatchi Art
Gemma Rolls-Bentley - Curator and art writer
Addi Aegisdottir - Director at Mall Galleries
Olivia Mason - Director of Artist Future Funds
Emma Crichton-Miller - Art critic and writer featured in the Financial Times, Sunday Telegraph, and Apollo
Curtis Holder - Winner of Sky Artist Portrait of the Year, with works in the National Portrait Gallery
“As the 2025 Visual Art Open Prize gets underway, we are excited to continue our commitment to discovering and nurturing talented artists. The prize goes beyond financial rewards by helping artists to navigate their paths in the art world. Our experienced judging panel and significant prize fund reflect our belief in the transformative power of art and the importance of supporting the creative community.”
- Laura O’Hare, Award Director
The VAO remains committed to its mission of nurturing artistic talent and fostering connections within the artistic community. All eligible artists are invited to participate in this exciting opportunity and contribute to a vibrant dialogue in contemporary art.
Submission Deadline: Wednesday 11th June 2025
Join us in celebrating creativity and artistry. For more information and to submit your work, please visit our website at visualartopen.com.
About the Visual Artists Association
The Visual Artists Association is dedicated to supporting artists through advocacy, education, and opportunities for professional development. We provide a comprehensive network for artists to thrive and connect with the art community.
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