Ever wondered what makes an artist stand out in a crowded field?

Get exclusive access to top-tier Judges and past VAO Art Prize Winners: Insights and Inspirations from the Experts – How to Get Noticed!

Join us for a dynamic Q&A session designed to empower Art Prize Applicants with the insider knowledge and inspiration needed to excel in your creative journey.

This session, led by VAA Directors Shirley-Ann O’Neil and Laura O’Hare, will feature VAO25 Award judges, past judges and prize winners sharing their personal experiences, creative strategies, and the secrets behind building lasting artistic credibility. Whether you’re building your first portfolio or refining your exhibition record, don’t miss out on this rare access to top-tier judges and past winners.

What to Expect in This Webinar:

In-Depth Expert Insights:
Hear from high-profile judges and prize winners as they discuss their journeys, how they discovered their unique artistic voices, and the strategies they used to build their reputations. Learn more about VAO25 judges on the Judges Page.

Practical Advice:
Gain valuable tips on crafting compelling artist statements, balancing creativity with professionalism, tailoring applications to meet specific criteria, and presenting your portfolio effectively.

Mindset and Motivation:
Explore essential topics such as overcoming imposter syndrome and cultivating a positive creative mindset to boost your confidence and inspire your practice.

Interactive Q&A:
Participate in an engaging discussion where you can ask questions and receive personalized insights to enhance your art prize application process.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this event offers the “golden nuggets” of knowledge to help you build a standout application and take your creative practice to the next level.

Panellists

Addi Aegisdottir – VAO 2025 Judge
Addi Aegisdottir is the Sales Director at Mall Galleries, home to the Federation of British Artists, and a key advocate for empowering artists through exhibitions, prizes, and learning opportunities. With expertise in the culture and heritage sector, sales development, and e-commerce, Addi has launched the Mall Galleries Art Consultancy, connecting private and corporate clients with emerging and established artists. Addi also has extensive experience in the primary and secondary art market, having worked with leading galleries and collectors internationally.

Karen van Hoey Smith
Karen is an artist manager, fine art auctioneer and consultant expert with a degree in Fine Art Evaluation, previously working as a gallery manager for Blue Dot Art & Whitewall Galleries. She was also a partner of White Rose Publishing. With a successful history working as an art broker, having sold pieces for the likes of Banksy, Karen has a wealth of knowledge representing artists and helping them achieve more sales and reach their goals.

Ben Summers – VAO23 Painting Category Winner
Ben Summers is a British artist working across painting, mixed media, installation, and outdoor spaces. His work explores the evolving relationship between humans and their environments, blending fantastical imagery with real-world symbolism to create cinematic effects. A Slade School of Art graduate, Ben has exhibited at Mall Galleries, The Other Art Fair, and Christie’s.

Join us and unlock the expert insights that will propel your artistic journey forward! Spaces are limited – secure your spot today!

Reserve your free place now to gain real, actionable insights from the people who decide the winners – and take the next step in your creative career.

For more information about the VAO25 Prize, please visit the Visual Arts Open website.

For questions about the event, please reach out to events@visual-artists.org.