Visual Art Open Finalists Exhibition Celebrates 10th Anniversary at London’s Iconic Minster Building

The Visual Art Open (VAO) 2025 Finalist Exhibition, one of the UK’s leading platforms for contemporary art, marks its 10^th Anniversary this year with a spectacular showcase at the iconic Minster Building, London, from 9^th-12^th October 2025.

Since its founding, the VAO prize has championed emerging and established talent from across the globe, offering artists the chance to gain recognition and career-defining opportunities. This year’s competition offers a prize package worth over £10,000, including cash awards, mentoring, and invaluable opportunities for exposure and career development.

The exhibition launches on Thursday, 9^th October, with an exclusive VIP Preview Night (6-8 pm), where the Overall Winner and Category Winners will be revealed. Guests will experience the finalists’ work in the Minster Building’s breathtaking setting, a City of London landmark admired for its vast glass atrium, Art Deco-inspired interiors, and reputation as a hub for creativity.

The exhibition continues for the public throughout the weekend, both Friday 10th and Saturday 11^th, will be open 11am-5pm, and Sunday 12^th from 11am-1pm. The showcase includes 40 finalists works from six key categories: Painting & Mixed Media & Printmaking, Illustration & Drawing, Sculpture, Photography / Digital Art, Student Artist, and Art Educators Award. Across the weekend, there will be artist meetups and a curated show round with Karen van Hoey Smith.

This year’s judging panel brings together an exceptional lineup of 17 art industry leaders, ensuring a diverse and dynamic perspective on the works presented. Among the panel are: Erin Remmington, Chief Curator at Saatchi Art; Adeche Atelier, the celebrated creative duo known for their innovative practice and social media outreach; Olivia Mason, Director of Artists Future Fund, dedicated to supporting emerging talent; and Curtis Holder, Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.

VAO Chairwoman, Shirley-Ann O’Neill said: “Reaching our 10^th anniversary is an extraordinary milestone. We’re excited to be celebrating such a diverse range of talented artists at this year’s show, held in the magnificent Minster Building.”

Over the past decade, the VAO has awarded opportunities and recognition to hundreds of artists, cementing its place as a launchpad for creative careers with over 30,000 applications from 86 countries. The 10^th Anniversary promises to be an exciting year, uniting art lovers, collectors, and curators in celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of the contemporary art created by this year’s finalists.

To see the finalists, please head to the VAO Website.