APPLICATIONS CLOSING 22ND APRIL 2025
The VAA Artist of the Year 2025 Award celebrates artistic excellence, recognising talent at all levels. With a £10,000 prize package, career-boosting courses and memberships, and a prestigious group exhibition in London for the overall winner, this award provides artists with the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve to elevate their careers.
Artists can compete in categories including Best International Artist, Best Professional & Established Artist, Best New & Emerging Artist, as well as the Members’ Choice Award and five Highly Commended Artists. Four new categories have just been announced, with awards that will honour key artistic styles, including Still Life, Wildlife, Abstract, and Landscape, ensuring a diverse range of art is represented.
Entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts. The AOTY25 Award is open to all – whether you’re an emerging talent or an established professional, this is your chance to gain recognition and take your artistic career to new heights!
Submit your artwork today to in with a chance to win a prize package worth over £10,000!
Overall AOTY25 Winner
£1,000 Prize – A financial boost to support your artistic journey and future projects.
London Group Exhibition – Showcase your work to the artworld in a prestigious exhibition this Autumn.
Art Supplies – A curated selection of high-quality materials to bring your creative visions to life.
VAA Short Course – Develop your skills with a specialised course of your choice.
12-Month Mentorship – Expert guidance to refine your craft and expand your professional network.
Online Solo Exhibition – A unique opportunity to showcase your work to a global audience.
Lifetime VAA Membership – Access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive community.
Achievement Certificate – Official recognition of your artistic excellence and dedication
Category Awards
- Best International Artist
- Best Professional & Established Artist
- Best New & Emerging Artist
- Members Choice
- Still Life
- Wildlife
- Abstract
- Landscape
Category Prizes
- £200 Cash Prize – To support your artistic journey.
- Online Group Exhibition – Gain global exposure.
- Premium Membership (1 Year) – Access exclusive support.
- VAA Short Course of Your Choice – Grow with expert training.
- Achievement Certificate – Showcase your artistic excellence.
5 Highly Commended Artists
Five Highly Commended Artists will receive an official certificate and profiling opportunities to enhance their visibility and recognition.
Last Years Winners
Everything Is Under Control
Barbara Porczynska, Members Choice Award, AOTY24
Treasure Island
Anikó Boda, International Winner, AOTY24
The Red Bags (II)
Bea Last, Overall Winner, AOTY24
Dancing Oaks
Riga Isabel Forbes, Best New & Emerging Winner, AOTY24
The VAA Artist of the Year Award competition celebrates creativity and talent at all stages, honouring artists’ dedication, passion, and unique visions. The competition features an astounding eight categories, so whether you are a seasoned artist or an emerging creative, you will have an opportunity to showcase your talents!
Entry is free for VAA Premium Members and is open to VAA Standard Members & Non-Members for a pricing structure of:
1 Artwork = £20 / £8*
2 Artworks = £30 / £14*
3 Artworks = £40 / £20*
4 Artworks = £50 / £25*
5 Artworks = £60 /£30*
*Price for Student Artists
‘Swan Lake’, Jena Ataras, Highly Commended, AOTY24
Now in their 4th year, the awards were previously renamed from the VAA Professional Artist Awards, to develop and celebrate a broader range of artists.
All winners of the awards are set to bask in the spotlight, with media coverage and a robust online presence. More than just accolades, we’re committed to nurturing your artistic passion and providing dedicated support to enhance and expand your practice. Seize this opportunity, share your masterpieces, and let the world witness the power of your art. Your stage awaits at the VAA Artists of the Year Awards.
Meet The 2025 Judges
All artworks will be thoughtfully judged by our esteemed panel of experts, celebrated for their extensive creative expertise and keen artistic eye.
The panel includes Mimi Spendriff, Curator and Gallery Manager; Gemma Poppe, Founder of Art on a Postcard; Elizabeth Fullerton, writer and critic; Stephen Snoddy, Gallery Director and Professor; and Bea Last, artist and educator.
Key Dates
• Phase 1 Close: 21st January 2025
• Phase 2 Close: 22nd April 2025
• Longlisted Artists Announced: August 2025
• Shortlisted Artists Announced: Early September 2025
• Finalists Announced: Late September 2025
• Winners Announced: October 2025
Applications Closing 22nd April
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FAQ’s
Who Can Enter?
Our open call to the Artist of the Year Award is open to both amateur and professional artists, working in any visual art medium (i.e. drawing, printing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, mixed media).
What is the Submission Procedure?
The application form to the Artist of the Year 2025 award can be found on this page.
Entry is free for VAA Premium Members and is open to VAA Standard Members & Non-Members for a pricing structure of:
1 Artwork = £20 / £8*
2 Artworks = £30 / £14*
3 Artworks = £40 / £20*
4 Artworks = £50 / £25*
5 Artworks = £60 /£30*
*Price for Student Artists
Once you have submitted your application, your application will be processed within 5 working days. You will then be sent a confirmation email, to the email address provided in your application form.
If you have not received an email from us then please email hello@visual-artists.org
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to notify artists that have been successful in both stages. You will be notified by email, using the email address you have provided.
Why Are There Multiple Application Phases?
We run three application phases throughout the year. All phases are exactly the same, we simply run it in phases to limit the amount of artwork that is sent to the judges at one time.
All artwork is judged the same, so it does not matter what phase in the competition you enter.
Do I Need To Submit Artwork That Is For Sale?
No, we can select an alternative artwork for the finalists’ exhibition. However, you need to let us know if advance, or you could lose your place.
How Do I Submit An Image?
Within the online application form, you can upload your images, if you have any trouble doing so, please email us, at hello@visual-artists.org.
What Are The Prizes For AOTY25?
Overall AOTY25 Winner Prize:
£1,000 Prize – A financial boost to support your artistic journey and future projects.
London Group Exhibition – Showcase your work to the artworld in a prestigious exhibition this Autumn.
Art Supplies – A curated selection of high-quality materials to bring your creative visions to life.
VAA Short Course – Develop your skills with a specialised course of your choice.
12-Month Mentorship – Expert guidance to refine your craft and expand your professional network.
Online Solo Exhibition – A unique opportunity to showcase your work to a global audience.
Lifetime VAA Membership – Access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive community.
Achievement Certificate – Official recognition of your artistic excellence and dedication
All Category Winners Will Receive:
- £200 Cash Prize – To support your artistic journey.
- Online Group Exhibition – Gain global exposure.
- Premium Membership (1 Year) – Access exclusive support.
- VAA Short Course of Your Choice – Grow with expert training.
- Achievement Certificate – Showcase your artistic excellence.
Five Highly Commended Artists Will Receive:
Five Highly Commended Artists will receive an official certificate and profiling opportunities to enhance their visibility and recognition.
Every Artist Who Enters Will Receive:
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Promotion of artwork on our social media profiles.
What is the Required Creation Date for Submitted Artwork?
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The artwork must be a new or recent creation, ideally produced within the last 3 years. Submissions should reflect the artist’s current practice and creative direction, showcasing work that is relevant and contemporary.
How Many Artworks Can I Enter?
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A maximum of 5 works are permitted per artist.
How Will I Be Notified If I Have Won?
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Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to notify artists that have been Longlisted, Shortlisted and Finalists. You will be notified by email, using the email address you have provided. Please see key dates on the home page, to find the VAO announcement dates.
Meet the AOTY25 Judges
Bea Last
Bea Last is a professional Contemporary Artist, Mentor, and Educator. Based in Scotland, her practice extends both nationally and internationally. She has exhibited widely, most recently in Venice as a finalist for the Laguna Arte Prize and in York in 2023 as a finalist for the Aesthetica Art Prize.
In 2024, Bea was honoured with the VAA Artist of the Year Award, as well as the local Artist of the Year award from D&G Life, sponsored by The Crichton Trust, in recognition of her contributions to the Dumfries and Galloway community.
With extensive experience across commercial galleries, corporate commissions, public exhibitions, and artist-run initiatives, Bea has also served on various selection panels in partnership with Creative Scotland – the Scottish equivalent of The Arts Council. Additionally, she has training and hands-on experience working with young people facing learning barriers.
As a Mentor and Educator, Bea facilitates UpLand Arts’ Visual Arts Studio Portfolio Preparation Course – designed for young artists applying to art school. She also mentors both emerging and established artists, supporting them in their creative careers.
Stephen Snoddy
Stephen Snoddy is the Director of The New Art Gallery, Walsall, an Honorary Member of the Royal Ulster Academy, and a former Visiting Professor at Manchester School of Art.
Born in Belfast, David trained at Belfast College of Art, later completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Art Gallery & Museum Studies at Manchester University. His career spans influential roles in leading galleries, including Arnolfini Gallery, Cornerhouse Manchester, Southampton City Art Gallery, and BALTIC Gateshead, where he curated major exhibitions with renowned artists like Rachel Whiteread, John Baldessari, and Chris Ofili.
In 2013, Stephen returned to painting, exhibiting in Brussels, Southampton, and London. His work is in public collections worldwide, including those in Northern Ireland, Spain, China, and the UK, as well as in private collections across Europe, the USA, and beyond.
Elizabeth Fullerton
Elizabeth Fullerton is a critic, writer, podcaster, and doctoral researcher at Birkbeck College, University of London. With a passion for the intersection of art, culture, and society, she has contributed to several prestigious international publications, including The New York Times, The Guardian, Art Monthly, Art in America, ARTnews, and Art Quarterly.
As an expert in contemporary art, Elizabeth is the author of Artrage! The Story of the BritArt Revolution (Thames & Hudson, 2016, 2021), a seminal book that delves into the rise and impact of the BritArt movement. Her insightful commentary and analysis have made her a respected voice in the art world, offering readers a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving contemporary art landscape.
In addition to her writing, Elizabeth co-hosts the podcast Art Fictions, where she explores the imaginative and narrative dimensions of art. Her academic work as a doctoral researcher further fuels her dedication to the exploration of art history and its cultural implications, ensuring that her contributions continue to shape the ongoing conversation within the field.
Mimi Spendriff
Mimi Spendiff is the Gallery Manager at Print Club London, a vibrant screenprinting studio and contemporary online gallery located in Hackney, East London. In her role, she works closely with the studio’s community of artists, helping to showcase a wide variety of limited edition screenprints, original artworks, and curating exciting drops for collectors. Prior to joining Print Club London, Mimi was a curator at Artfinder, an online art marketplace, where she curated unique collections and collaborated with artists to refine and expand their portfolios.
With a First Class Honours degree in Photography from the University of the West of England, Mimi brings over three years of experience in both sales and curation to her work. Her career also includes roles at a contemporary art gallery featuring artists like Billy Childish, and as an Artist Liaison at Art Republic. Driven by a passion for creating dynamic art collections and fostering artist development, Mimi is committed to connecting collectors with fresh, engaging art.
Gemma Peppé
Gemma Peppé founded Art on a Postcard in 2014 to fundraise for The Hepatitis C Trust, leveraging her experience as a music agent. Before this, she managed the Trust’s high-profile prevention campaigns, What Not to Share and Get Tested, featuring collaborations with Lily Allen, Mark Ronson, Bella Freud, Sadie Frost, and Boy George, culminating in a star-studded concert at London’s Jazz Café.
Under Gemma’s leadership, Art on a Postcard has raised over £2 million, receiving around 1,000 artworks annually. Contributors range from established artists like Marina Abramović, Peter Blake, and Paula Rego to emerging talents such as Antonia Showering and Victoria Cantons. The auctions have also showcased leading photographers, including Miles Aldridge and Wolfgang Tillmans.
Expanding its impact, Art on a Postcard now collaborates with independent curators and other charities. In recent years, it has fundraised for Choose Love, War Child UK, and St Wilfrid’s Hospice. In 2024, Gemma launched the inaugural Sound and Vision event in aid of War Child.