VAA International Exhibition & Scholarship Prize
Created to empower, teach, and support artists from all walks of life.
Learn to Art Sell like The Professionals
The Visual Artists Association has introduced an exhibition and scholarship worth £50,000. Created to support emerging artists to develop their arts businesses, The VAA International Exhibition & Scholarship Prize, launched in Summer 2022, aims to benefit emerging and re-emerging artists. This will be achieved by increasing artists’ international exposure, whilst raising funds for VAA artist education programmes.
How is the prize judged?
A judging panel comprised of world-class art experts will shortlist the top ten most accomplished artworks from the range of digital entries.
The shortlisted works will be exhibited firstly in London. Artworks will be for sale in the finalist’s London exhibition, proceeds will be split evenly between the artists and the VAA.
How does it work?
The winners of this prize will receive a three-month artist programme. The programme will be delivered online from March 2023 and includes the VAA Artists Momentum Programme; 4-Weeks Online Workshops. These will take the form of group sessions, that allow peer-to-peer feedback and a private chat community. This allows artists to share ideas and gain support.
Artists will then receive both group and individual support. Following the three-month Momentum Programme, the artists will participate in the VAA International Exhibition, held in London.
Who is it for?
Open to artists across the globe, the prize has been specifically tailored for artists who are not yet established in the art world. The VAA Scholarship Prize is designed to build your confidence to build a sustainable practice. Its unique format includes training for artists with leading art professionals delivering the Momentum Programme.
The Curriculum
Delivered through group workshops as well as one on one support:
- Creating your artist’s strategy
- How to present your art confidently in a way that is authentic to you
- How to find your ideal art buyer
- Visibility and opportunities; how to claim opportunities and create multiple streams of income
- How to build an email list of loyal buyers
- Creating consistent sales with a proven system
- Pro-Artists mindset and habits – the foundations for your practice
Key Dates*
- The deadline on applications has been extended to 31st October
- Judging Panel Announced October 2022
- Shortlist announced January 2023
- Scholarship winners announced February 2023
- Artist Momentum Programme – 6 weeks – starts March/April 2023
- London Exhibition in 2023
*Dates are provisional and subject to slight change
Cohort
The first scholarship cohort will consist of a maximum of 6-8 artists, chosen from applications to this call for art.
Costs
£20 to enter with up to 3 artwork entries. No fees for members of the VAA.
Judges
Gemma Peppe – Director at Art on a Postcard
Gemma founded Art on a Postcard in 2015 to fundraise for The Hepatitis C Trust. Art on a Postcard has raised around million pounds and receives 3000 artworks a year.
Stacie McCormick – Director of Unit 1 Gallery, Founder of Fair Art Fair, and Multi-Disciplinary Artist.
McCormick has provided an exceptional number of opportunities to artists, including exhibitions and residencies, as well as establishing a community of over 300 artists.
Matthew Burrows – contemporary British painter and founder of Artist Support Pledge
The Artist Support Pledge is a global movement in support of artists and makers. Matthew lives and works in the UK and is represented by Vigo Gallery London.
FAQ
Who can enter?
What is the submission procedure?
The application form can be found on our website, here. You can also download the application form and email it to hello@visual-artists.org
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 two application phases?
Do I need to submit artwork that is for sale?
No, we can select an alternative artwork for the finalists’ exhibition
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.
Will there be a private view for exhibitors?
How will my work be displayed?
The exhibition layout is determined by the jurors and the curators.
Will my artwork need framing?
If you have been shortlisted, you will be required to send your work framed in preparation for events where your artwork will be showcased (if applicable).
Can I learn the name of who purchases my work?
The name of the purchaser of artwork is shared with the artist of that work unless the purchaser has requested otherwise.