Could You Be One of the Most Promising Artists Worldwide?
The Visual Artists Association proudly presents VAA Art100 International, an inclusive international campaign celebrating the most promising and visionary artists from around the globe. This is your chance to gain international recognition, access exclusive resources, and receive career-accelerating support, all designed to elevate your profile in the contemporary art world.
Whether you’re an emerging talent or an established name, the VAA Art100 International opens the door to tailored guidance, business development opportunities, and mentorship to help you grow your creative career. You’ll join a dynamic, supportive community that champions artistic innovation and collaboration.
Up to 100 artists will be selected so don’t miss your moment to stand out, get the support you deserve, and shape your future with the Visual Artists Association.
VAA100 International | Shortlisted Artists Will Receive
VAA Creative Accelerator Bootcamp
Intensive 1.5 hour professional development bootcamp designed to help you grow and strengthen your art business.
VAA Accountability Programme
A structured, programme that helps visual artists build consistent creative habits, stay focused on their goals, and develop a sustainable, professional art practice through weekly peer support and expert guidance.
VAA Artist of the Year Awards 2027 Entry
Automatic entry into the prestigious VAA Artist of the Year Awards for recognition and exposure.
VAA Preferred Artist Status
Formal recognition as a VAA Preferred Artist, affirming your commitment to professionalism and excellence.
Achievement Certificate
Showcase your artistic excellence.
VAA100 International Winners Will Receive
Inclusion in the VAA Art100 Industry Book Printed Edition
The VAA Art100 Industry Book is a prestigious, curated publication showcasing exceptional contemporary artists to an influential audience of collectors, galleries, and art industry professionals. Inclusion in this high-quality printed edition offers artists a unique opportunity to gain visibility and credibility within the global art market. With its carefully selected roster, the Art100 highlights innovative and impactful work across disciplines, positioning featured artists alongside their peers in a beautifully produced, widely distributed volume that celebrates excellence and originality in today’s art world.
VAA100 International Achievement Certificate
Showcase your artistic excellence.
International Exclusive Prizes vary per region
Additional Online Profiling
Artists are selected for the VAA Art100 from diverse regions, including the UK & Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa & the Caribbean, North America, and South America.
We’re committed to keeping the VAA Art100 accessible and inclusive. If selected at the Shortlist Stage, you’ll be required to join the VAA Membership at a subsidised annual rate, made possible through support from the VAA and our partners. Just a platform to help you thrive – membership required.
The subsidised membership rates are as follows:
- Premium Membership: £100 (normally £125)
- International Membership: £88 (normally £110)
This small investment unlocks a full year of recognition, opportunities, and expert guidance.
ABOUT | VISUAL ARTIST ASSOCIATION
The VAA is professional body and movement dedicated to supporting artists and creative freelancers throughout their careers. Working closely with art galleries, art fairs, publishers, museums, universities, and art institutions, we offer our members exclusive access to exhibition opportunities, events, and affordable creative business education.
We help artists like you to gain greater agency over your artwork and enhance your credibility in the art world – empowering you to grow both your practice and your arts business. We are here to break down barriers and open doors, transforming the landscape and fostering a culture where artists of all backgrounds are inspired and supported to reach their full potential.
Open to artists across the UK and internationally, we actively advocate for small creative businesses, freelancers, and artists’ rights – including fair pay, intellectual property protection, and essential business support. At the VAA, we also offer professional development programmes and cultivate a friendly, collaborative space where artists can connect, learn, and grow together.
Creative Accelerator Bootcamp
The Creative Accelerator Bootcamp is an intensive, practice-focused session designed to support artists in building a clear and sustainable professional direction. It brings together key elements of career development, helping participants refine their artistic vision, strengthen their positioning, and gain clarity on how their work sits within the wider contemporary art landscape. The session is structured to move beyond theory, offering a strategic overview of what is needed to develop a resilient and self-directed art practice.
Alongside this, the curriculum explores practical routes to progression and income diversification, from understanding audience and buyer behaviour to accessing opportunities across galleries, fairs and publishing platforms. It also addresses what it means to be “gallery ready” today, helping artists identify gaps in their current practice and establish a clearer system for visibility, communication and long-term growth.
Programme Curriculum
This intensive 1.5 hour session brings together the core elements of building a sustainable and professional art practice:
- Clarifying your artist strategy, including your vision, goals and long-term direction
- Developing your artwork readiness, your story, personal brand and confident communication
- Identifying your niche and defining your ideal buyer
- Exploring multiple streams of art income and practical ways to diversify your practice
- Accessing opportunities across the art world, including galleries, fairs and publishers
- Understanding what “gallery ready” really means and how to position your work accordingly
- Implementation and gap analysis to identify what is missing in your current practice
- Building a clear, consistent system to support visibility and sales over time
Open to Artists Worldwide
Why Join the VAA Art100 International?
This isn’t just a list. It’s a launching pad. Becoming part of the VAA Art100 International means visibility, validation, and value. With enhanced exposure, collector connections, and continuous support, your next breakthrough begins here.
Make Your Mark on the Future of Art
Art has the power to shape culture, provoke thought, and move generations. The VAA Art100 is more than a recognition – it’s a collective of creators redefining what art means today and tomorrow.
By joining this movement, you’re aligning with a network of peers and pioneers who are pushing boundaries and making bold statements. This is your moment to leave a lasting legacy.
Art100 International 2026 Key Dates
Applications Open | 5th June 2026
Deadline to Apply | 13th August 2026
Shortlisted Artists Announced | September 2026
Winners Announcement | December 2026
Application Deadline
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VAA Art100 International 2026 Judging Panel
All artworks will be thoughtfully reviewed by our distinguished judging panel, each recognised for their expertise and leadership across contemporary art, curation, and the wider creative industries.
The panel includes Jo-Anna Duncalf, Palé Hall Art Manager and Director of The International Ceramic Festival; Tom Best, Auctioneer and Director of Auction Collective and Indy Auctions; Marine Tanguy, CEO of MTArt Agency, Urban X Culture and TED Speaker; Jon Tomlinson, Co-Founder of Artware Editions and the Artist Plate Project; Shirley-Ann O’Neill, VAA Director and Co-Founder; and Laura O’Hare, VAA Director and Co-Founder.
HOW TO APPLY
What you’ll need:
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Artist statement
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Up to 3 high-quality images of your artworks
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Artwork descriptions
When you’re ready:
Read through the VAA Art100 Terms & Conditions
Complete the application form using the ‘Apply Now’ button
Submitting takes less than 10 minutes
Selected artists will receive VAA Preferred Artist Status, formal recognition and International membership, access to Momentum: The Artist CEO Rise Programme, automatic entry to the Artist of the Year Awards 2027, and consideration for the VAA Art100 Industry Book – a curated publication shared with galleries, collectors, and art professionals.
Selected winners from the USA will also receive a 6-month Artfinder subscription, tailored support to sell work via Direct from the Artist, Artfinder Artist Profiling, and Automatic Enrolment in Artfinder’s bonus scheme.
No Submission fee. If selected, you will be required to join the VAA Membership Programme for a subsidised annual rate:
Made possible through support from the VAA and our partners. Just a platform to help you thrive – membership required.
The subsidised membership rates are as follows:
- Premium Membership: £100 (normally £125)
- International Membership: £88 (normally £110)
This small investment unlocks a full year of recognition, opportunities, and expert guidance.
All Global Visual Artists are Encouraged to Apply, Including:
Hear From VAA Artists
“Being recognised by the VAA changed how galleries and collectors viewed my work. It gave me the confidence and connections to move forward professionally.”
– Sophia Lane, Abstract Painter
“Art prizes offer a fantastic platform to gain visibility and connect with wider audiences and other artists. They can open doors to new opportunities, like gallery exhibitions and international connections. These competitions encourage growth and help us refine how we communicate our vision..”
– Sophia Ruiz, Painter
FAQ’s
Who Can Enter?
Our open call for the Art100 International is open to both amateur and professional artists, worldwide, working in any visual art medium, under the categories; Painting; Drawing & Illustration; Mixed Media, Collage & Printmaking; Photography & Digital Art; Video & Moving Image; Sculpture; Textiles, and Installation Art.
What is the Submission Procedure?
The application form for the VAA Art100 International can be found on this page.
There is no charge to apply.
- Artist Statement
- Up to 2 high-quality images of your artworks
- Artwork Descriptions
When You’re Ready:
- Read through the VAA Art100 International Terms & Conditions
- Complete the application form using the ‘Apply Now’ button
The submission process takes less than 10 minutes.
If selected at the Shortlist Stage, you’ll be required to join the VAA Membership at a subsidised annual rate, made possible through support from the VAA and our partners. Just a platform to help you thrive – membership required.
The subsidised membership rates are as follows:
- Premium Membership: £100 (normally £125)
- International Membership: £88 (normally £110)
This small investment unlocks a full year of recognition, opportunities, and expert guidance.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to notify artists that have been successful. You will be notified by email, using the email address you have provided.
How Do I Submit An Image?
Within the online application form, you can upload your 3 images, if you have any trouble doing so, please email us, at hello@visual-artists.org.
What is the Required Creation Date for Submitted Work?
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?
A maximum of 3 works are permitted per artist.
How Will I Be Notified If I Have Won?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to notify artists that have been Shortlisted and selected as Winners. You will be notified by email, using the email address you have provided. Please see key dates on this page.
