VISUAL ART OPEN 2025
£10,000 ART PRIZE FUND
Applications Now Open – Closing 18th December.
Submit your application by visting: https://www.visualartopen.com/apply-now
Welcome to the 9th annual edition of the Visual Art Open Prize (VAO). Our mission is to celebrate and showcase the diverse talents of artists at every stage of their journey, from emerging talents to seasoned professionals. The £10,000 prize fund gives artists validation and visibility on a global platform, including a finalist exhibition in central London. Our esteemed judging panel is varied, from commercial galleries, to the museum sector, as well as professionals from the art media and academia.
The VAO Art Prize offers unparalleled exposure and an opportunity for artists to sell their artwork to an audience of over a million art collectors and enthusiasts alike. A prize fund of over £10,000 includes cash prizes, exhibition opportunities and career development support in partnership with the Visual Artists Association.
Curious to know why it is important to enter the VAO and how it will benefit you?
The VAO is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and share your unique vision with art enthusiasts and industry leaders. With a range of categories and a commitment to inclusivity, we encourage artists of all backgrounds to submit their work and express their individuality.
There are five key categories for entrants to apply to:
- Painting & Mixed Media & Printmaking
- Illustration & Drawing
- Sculpture
- Photography / Digital Art
- NEW: Student Artist (Proof of Student Status Required)
- NEW: Art Educators
Overall Winner Receives:
- £2,000 Cash Prize
- Certificate of Achievement
- Premium Annual Membership with the #VAA
- Annual Mentorship Programme
- Momentum Programme
- Solo Show/Art Exhibition in London
- Art Voucher or Art Supplies
All Category Winners Receives:
- £250 Cash Prize
- Premium Annual Membership with the #VAA
- Art Exhibition of Finalists in London
- Additional Online Promotion
- Certificate of Achievement
All Finalists will be awarded:
- Additional Online Promotion
- Certificate of Achievement
ALL SUBMISSIONS will receive promotion on social media and email coverage to 60,000, plus an invitation to the annual show.
How to Apply:
Artists are only permitted to enter 5 artworks into the competition at a cost of £20 for 1st submission and £10 per additional artwork, totalling a maximum of £60. Students pay £18 for 1st submission, totalling a maximum of £30 for 5 artworks entered.
Application Pricing Structure:
1 Artwork = £20 / £8*
2 Artworks = £30 / £14*
3 Artworks = £40 / £20*
4 Artworks = £50 / £25*
5 Artworks = £60 / £30*
*Price for Student Artists
Submit your application by visting: https://www.visualartopen.com/apply-now