VAO Insights: Exclusive Insights To Success in Art Prizes
- Visual Art Open
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
In today’s fast-paced and competitive art world, building a successful career takes more than talent—it demands resilience, strategy, and strong community ties. A recent webinar hosted by Karolina Simaskaite and featuring an expert panel including Shirley Anne O’Neal, Laura O’Hare, Karen Addie, and Ben Summers, brought together artists and professionals to discuss how creatives can navigate the challenges of the industry, win prestigious prizes, and grow meaningful careers.
The webinar offered valuable insights into building a successful art career, highlighting the importance of resilience, authenticity, and community. Panellists shared personal experiences and practical advice on competition submissions, addressing challenges like financial instability and emphasising the need for strategic planning and support. The session reinforced that passion, adaptability, and professional integrity are essential for long-term artistic success.
Meet the Panellists!
Addi Aegisdottir | VAO25 Judge & Sales Director at Mall Galleries
As Sales Director at Mall Galleries and founder of the Mall Galleries Art Consultancy, Addi Aegisdottir is a prominent figure in artist development and strategic sales. With a background that spans heritage sectors, international markets, and e-commerce, she excels at bridging the gap between artists and collectors - unlocking career-changing opportunities along the way.
Karen van Hoey Smith | Fine Art Auctioneer, Artist manager, & Consultant
Karen van Hoey Smith brings a wealth of experience as a fine art auctioneer, artist manager, and consultant. Having worked with high-profile galleries and facilitated sales for globally recognized artists such as Banksy, Karen offers crucial insight into gallery representation, the collector’s mindset, and how emerging artists can successfully position themselves in the market.
Ben Summers | Professional Artist & VAO23 Painting Winner
Ben Summers, the VAO23 Painting Winner, is a British artist whose practice spans painting, installation, and site-specific outdoor work. A graduate of the Slade School of Fine Art, Ben fuses imaginative visuals with environmental themes. His work has been exhibited at Christie’s, The Other Art Fair, and Mall Galleries—making him well-equipped to share what it takes to succeed in today’s art landscape
Panellists shared powerful stories about artworks that deeply impacted their own artistic journeys. These reflections underscored the emotional connection that fuels creativity and growth, whether sparked by classical masterpieces or contemporary pieces. Passion, they emphasised, begins with the art that moves us and continues through the art we create.
Top 3 Takeaways
Resilience and Adaptability: Foundations for Artistic Success
One recurring theme was the necessity of resilience. Artists often face challenges such as financial instability, gallery closures, and unpredictable sales. The panel emphasised adaptability, encouraging artists to pursue supplementary income without losing sight of their artistic goals. This pragmatic mindset helps sustain a creative career during turbulent times. The panellists shared personal anecdotes underscoring the need for resilience. Rejections should be viewed as learning opportunities, and adaptability is key - whether it's experimenting with new mediums or exploring different exhibition platforms.
From Networking to Web Weaving: Building Real Connections
Rather than traditional networking, panellists advocated for “web weaving”- a term that redefines networking as building authentic, supportive relationships. This approach nurtures a collaborative and empowering creative ecosystem, where artists celebrate each other’s successes, share resources, and tackle systemic challenges together.
Presentation & Authenticity in Competitions
When entering art competitions, it’s vital to submit high-quality images that accurately showcase your work’s colours, texture, and scale - consider multiple angles for 3D pieces - and pair these with a clear, sincere artist statement that communicates your unique creative vision. Keep your statement concise and authentic, focusing on what inspires you, your process, and the emotions you aim to evoke, while avoiding jargon or overly complex language. Following submission guidelines precisely, proofreading carefully, and presenting your work professionally not only shows respect for the judges’ time but also helps your entry stand out with confidence and clarity.
Tap Into Support: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
A crucial piece from the webinar was the importance of using available resources. Using these resources can make the often daunting process of entering competitions and navigating an art career much more manageable, helping you to build confidence, refine your practice, and connect with others who share your passion.
Organisations like the Visual Artists Association offer:
Application support
Career development resources
Networking opportunities
Expert guidance
Artists are often conditioned to go it alone - but thriving in the art world requires community, mentorship, and institutional support. These structures help artists navigate the complex and often opaque systems of galleries, prizes, and markets.
The Art of Winning provided invaluable guidance for artists seeking to grow their careers by combining passion with professionalism, resilience, and a strong sense of community. By integrating these strategies, artists can navigate the complex world of art prizes with greater confidence and purpose. The insights from "The Art of Winning" serve as a valuable roadmap for those aspiring to gain recognition and make a lasting impact in the art community.
Watch the Full Webinar Here!
Launch of the VAA Awards: Fueling Artistic Futures
If you’re inspired to apply, don’t miss the fast-approaching Visual Art Open deadline on 11th June. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the VAO Prize offers a £10,000 fund that supports artists with visibility, solo exhibitions, and tailored categories reflecting today’s diverse artistic community. The Overall Winner receives £2,000, and six Category Winners each get £250, plus other career-boosting prizes. Categories include Painting, Mixed Media & Printmaking, Illustration & Drawing, Sculpture, Photography & Digital Art, Student Artists, and Art Educator. With access to over one million art collectors and enthusiasts, the VAO is a unique platform to showcase and sell your work.
There' s still chance to apply for the VAO2025 applications close 11th June. Don' t miss out!
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