COULD YOU BE ONE OF THE TOP 500
MOST PROMISING ARTISTS ACROSS THE WORLD?
The Visual Artists Association proudly presents VAA ART 500, 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, VAA ART500 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.
Only 500 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.
Submit your artwork today be in with a chance to win.
500 artists will each receive a prize package worth over £500!
All Artists Selected for the VAA Art500 Will Receive:
VAA Momentum: CEO Rise Programme
Four professional development sessions designed to help you grow and strengthen your art business.
VAA Artist of the Year Awards Entry
Automatic entry into the prestigious VAA Artist of the Year Awards for recognition and exposure.
Consideration for Inclusion in the VAA Art500 Industry Book Printed Edition
The VAA Art500 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 Art500 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.
VAA Preferred Artist Status
Formal recognition as a VAA Preferred Artist, affirming your commitment to professionalism and excellence.
International Exclusive Prizes vary per region.
ABOUT THE VAA Art500
Artists are selected for the VAA Art500 from diverse regions, including the UK & Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, Africa & the Caribbean, North America (USA & Canada), and South America.
We’re committed to keeping the VAA Art500 accessible and inclusive. It’s completely free to apply. If selected, you’ll be invited to join the VAA Membership at a subsidised annual rate, made possible through support from the VAA and our partners. No hidden costs, no pay-to-play. Just a platform to help you thrive – membership required.
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.
Momentum: The Artist CEO RISE Programme
If selected you’ll be enrolled onto Momentum: The Artist CEO RISE Programme. The course will provide you with invaluable knowledge on the key practicalities and necessary considerations for effective business growth; giving an insight into the skills required to successfully access opportunities to gain visibility with the right audience.
This course will provide you with clarity on your next steps to accelerate growth in your art practice. Through group discussion and critical reflection on VAA case studies, you will be introduced to contemporary approaches to artists’ income streams, which you will use to develop your own income, visibility and business.
Momentum: The Artist CEO RISE Programme Curriculum
The course consists of a series of four online seminars.
Session 1: Creating your artist’s strategy – Your Vision, Goals
Session 2: Artwork Ready – Your story & brand, communicating confidently. Your Niche, Ideal buyer.
Session 3: Multiple Streams of Art Income, Accessing Opportunities, Getting Gallery Ready, Art Fairs and Working With Publishers
Session 4: Implementation, Gap Analysis – Creating consistent sales with a proven system.
OPEN TO ARTISTS WORLDWIDE
Why Join the VAA Art500?
This isn’t just a list. It’s a launching pad. Becoming part of the VAA Art500 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 Art500 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.
Key Dates
Phase One (USA Only) | 22nd May – 25th June
Phase Two (International Call) | 25th July
Deadline to Apply | 17th September
Shortlisted Artists Announced | TBC
Finalist Decision | TBC
Free to Apply. No Submission fee. If selected, you will be invited to join the VAA Membership Programme for a subsidised fee.
Applications Closed – Opening 25th July
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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 Art500 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, and consideration for the VAA Art500 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.
Take your next step toward recognition and creative career growth.
All Visual Artists worldwide 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
MEET THE VAA ART500 SELECTION PANEL
All applications will be thoughtfully judged by our esteemed panel of experts, celebrated for their extensive expertise and keen artistic eye.
The panel includes Shirley-Ann O’Neill, VAA Director; David Venon, Artfinder Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement; Ben Edmonds, Artfinder Senior Curator; Laura O’Hare, VAA Director; Adeche Atelier, Creative Duo Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi; and Ash Hussain, The Telegraph’s Visuals Editor.
US Exclusive – Artfinder Partnership – Supporting USA Artists
VAA Art500 is proud to partner exclusively with Artfinder, the leading marketplace for independent artists, for USA Artists entering the VAA Art500. Selected artists will be invited to join Artfinder with a special package designed to boost your visibility and career growth, including:
- A 6-month free Professional Plan to maximise your sales and exposure
- A bespoke promotional package, which may include: email features, blog highlights, homepage placement, curated collections, or social media promotion – depending on the best fit for your work
- Automatic enrolment in Artfinder’s exclusive bonus scheme, where sales above $26,500 earn annual bonus payouts from 2% up to 7% (for sales over $133,000) – the first program of its kind in the art industry
This collaboration is designed to directly support your visibility, growth, and long-term success.
About Artfinder
Artfinder is the online B Corp marketplace with a mission to democratise art and help artists make a living out of their passion. They are dedicated to challenge the ‘starving artist’ syndrome and believe that affordable art and artist success are not mutually exclusive.
Artfinder is also the first art business to launch an annual artist bonus, where artists selling over $26.5k in sales get an annual bonus paid to them starting at 2% of their sales and going up to 7% for for sales over $133k.
FAQ’s
Who Can Enter?
Our open call for the Art500 is open to both amateur and professional artists, working in any visual art medium (i.e. drawing, printing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, mixed media) worldwide.
What is the Submission Procedure?
The application form for the Art500 can be found on this page.
Entry is free.
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.
We’re committed to keeping the VAA Art 500 accessible and inclusive.
It’s completely free to apply.
If selected, you’ll be invited to join the VAA Membership at a subsidised annual rate, made possible through support from the VAA and our partners.
No hidden costs, no pay-to-play. Just a platform to help you thrive.
This small investment unlocks a full year of recognition, opportunities, and expert guidance.
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. 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 Artwork?
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 Longlisted, Shortlisted and Finalists. You will be notified by email, using the email address you have provided. Please see key dates on this page.
Meet the Selection Panel
Shirley-Ann O’Neill
VAA Director & Co-Founder
Shirley-Ann, founder of the VAA, is an experienced arts director, curator, and bestselling co-author with over 20 year experience of working with creatives worldwide. She leads major art awards and mentorship programmes at the VAA, curates globally recognised exhibitions. She has previously served on the selection committee for The Other Art Fair London by Saatchi Art.
David Venon
Artfinder Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement
Born in France and having moved to the UK over twenty years ago, David has a formal Visual Art Education, coupled with a Fashion Design Technical degree. With over 15 years of experience in the service industry, managing communities and content creation, David joined Artfinder – a global Art Marketplace and B Corp, with a mission to help artists make a living out of their passion – five years ago. Following his role as a Community Leader for the platform for the past four years, he has now recently been appointed acting Head of Artist Recruitment & Engagement.
Ben Edmonds
Artfinder Senior Curator
Ben Edmonds plays a key role in shaping the platform’s artistic direction. He joined the company in 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in the art industry. With a strong background in artist management, talent scouting, and publishing, Ben is known for identifying and supporting emerging artists. He is currently focused on recruitment, working to grow Artfinder’s community with fresh, innovative talent.
Laura O’Hare
VAA Director & Co-Founder
Laura leads the artistic and business development at VAA and is a founder of the organisation, bringing over a decade of experience in the Fine Arts sector following a 15-year career as a solicitor specialising in Employment Law. As Director of the Visual Art Open Prize, the Artist of the Year Award, and the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize, she has supported hundreds of artists in building successful careers, drawing on her strong network of galleries, arts organisations, publishers, and commercial partners.
Adeche Atelier
Creative Duo – Adwoa Botchey & Solomon Adebiyi
Adeche Atelier are acclaimed storytellers and content creators dedicated to preserving and reimagining African mythology and culture through contemporary art and digital media. Founded by Adwoa and Solomon, they create paintings and digital content that explore African deities, folklore, and history, challenging misconceptions and sparking dialogue about African spirituality. Their work has been commissioned by leading institutions including the National Gallery, BBC, Royal Academy of Arts, and Electronic Arts, and continues to educate, inspire, and reframe perceptions of African culture.
Ash Hussain
Visuals Editor at The Telegraph
A born and bred northerner from the red side of Manchester, and working class family, Ash gained a HND in graphic design from Amersham College and a BA(Hons) in photography from Nottingham Trent University. After moving to London in the late 90s, he has had the privilege of working for ITN, general assistant, The Independent, picture researcher, The Mail on Sunday, picture editor, and The Daily Mail, picture editor. He currently works for The Telegraph as a visuals editor. With over 26 years of experience working across various media organisations and a wealth of knowledge across print and digital media.
