.png)
.png)
The VAA Artist of the Year 2025 Award celebrates artistic excellence, recognising talent at all levels. With a £10,000 prize package, career-boosting courses and memberships, and a prestigious group exhibition in London for the overall winner, this award provides artists with the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve to elevate their careers.
​
Artists can compete in categories including Best International Artist, Best Professional & Established Artist, Best New & Emerging Artist, as well as the Members’ Choice Award and five Highly Commended Artists. Four new categories have just been announced, with awards that will honour key artistic styles, including Still Life, Wildlife, Abstract, and Landscape, ensuring a diverse range of art is represented.
​
Entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts. The Artist of the Year Award is open to all – whether you’re an emerging talent or an established professional, this is your chance to gain recognition and take your artistic career to new heights!
The Artist of the Year Award 2025 offers a prestigious £10,000 prize fund, designed to recognise and elevate outstanding artistic talent.
Alongside significant cash awards, winners gain access to high-profile exhibition opportunities, tailored professional development, and exclusive membership benefits. With a focus on long-term impact, the Artist of the Year Award provides not only recognition but also meaningful career advancement and visibility within the contemporary art world.
PRIZE
FUND
Overall Winners Prize
£1,000 Prize – A financial boost to support your artistic journey and future projects.
London Group Exhibition – Showcase your work to the artworld in a prestigious exhibition this Autumn.
Art Supplies – A curated selection of high-quality materials to bring your creative visions to life.
VAA Short Course – Develop your skills with a specialised course of your choice.
12-Month Mentorship – Expert guidance to refine your craft and expand your professional network.
Online Solo Exhibition – A unique opportunity to showcase your work to a global audience.
Lifetime VAA Membership – Access to resources, opportunities, and a supportive community.
Achievement Certificate – Official recognition of your artistic excellence and dedication
CATEGORY
WINNERS
Categories​
-
Best International Artist
-
Best Professional & Established Artist
-
Best New & Emerging Artist
-
Members Choice
-
Still Life
-
Wildlife
-
Abstract
-
Landscape
Category Prizes
-
£200 Cash Prize – To support your artistic journey.
-
Online Group Exhibition – Gain global exposure.
-
Premium Membership (1 Year) – Access exclusive support.
-
VAA Short Course of Your Choice – Grow with expert training.
-
Achievement Certificate – Showcase your artistic excellence.
Featured Exposure Across Social Media Channels
Your work will be promoted to a growing community of art lovers, curators, and collectors across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
​
Email Promotion to Our 60,000+ Subscribers
Gain visibility through dedicated email campaigns reaching galleries, buyers, and art enthusiasts.
All Submissions
Enhanced Online Promotion
Be spotlighted across VAA’s exclusive network, placing your practice in front of collectors, curators, and influential art industry figures.
​
Certificate of Achievement
Official certificate recognising your achievement.
Premier Artist Profiling by the VAA
All Finalists
WHY
ENTER?
The Artist of the Year Award is more than a competition - it’s a powerful platform for professional growth, creative recognition, and career development.
​
By entering, you’ll gain the opportunity to showcase your work to a wide audience of collectors, curators, and leading art professionals. All participants benefit from high-profile exposure, promotional support, and access to a vibrant network of fellow artists.
​
We are committed to inclusivity and artistic diversity. With multiple award categories and a focus on individuality, we encourage artists of all backgrounds to submit their work and share their unique vision.
​
Whether you're emerging or established, this is your moment to be seen, supported, and celebrated — and to take meaningful steps forward in your creative career.
The Artist of the Year Award 2025 is proudly run by the Visual Artists Association - a leading professional body dedicated to supporting visual artists at every stage of their careers.
​
As the fastest-growing artist support organisation globally, the VAA represents a thriving community of over 25,000 artists. Members benefit from access to invaluable resources, professional development workshops, business support services (including a legal helpline and insurance), and a network designed to help artists grow, connect, and succeed.
​
By entering the award, you’re not only gaining visibility - you’re becoming part of a wider platform for long-term support, opportunity, and professional growth.
PROUDLY
SUPPORTED
BY THE
VAA
"Congratulations to the talented entrants of this year's awards. Now in its fifth year, these awards provide a heartfelt platform for visual artists to gain recognition and celebrate their creativity.
We’re thrilled to introduce exciting new categories this year, including Still Life, Wildlife, Abstract, and Landscape, allowing an even broader spectrum of talent to shine. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where art is inclusive, inspiring artists and patrons alike.’’
​
Shirley-Ann O’Neill, Director, VAA
"Winning Best Professional Artist in the Artist of the Year Awards 2024 was a particularly emotional moment for me.
The award gave me a sense of support and recognition. This award was not only a personal achievement but also a true reinforcement for my continuity and growth as an artist and a person."
Einat Lev Ari
CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM
@ARTISTOFTHEYEARAWARDS
Interested to learn more about the VAA and how they could support your career?
Laura O’Hare, Director at the VAA shares her insights on what’s on offer and how artists can get involved.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
