HOW TO ENTER

Open Call Dates
The Open Call runs from 19th November 2024 - 16th July 2025.

Select Your Entry Category
Choose from the following:
• Best International Artist
• Best Professional & Established Artist
• Best New & Emerging Artist
• Still Life
• Wildlife
• Abstract
• Landscape
Award Pricing Structure
Make sure you have checked the Award Pricing Structure before submitting:
• Free for VAA Premium Members*
• Application Pricing Structure:
- 1 Artwork = £20 / £8**
- 2 Artworks = £30 / £14**
- 3 Artworks = £40 / £20**
- 4 Artworks = £50 / £25**
- 5 Artworks = £60 / £30**
  *Proof of VAA Membership ID required
  **Price for Student Artists — proof of student status required
Begin Your Application
Start your Artist of the Year Application form here:
Membership Status
Select if you are a VAA Premium Member* or a student artist**.
*Proof of VAA Membership ID required
**Proof of student status required
Contact Details
Enter your contact details.
Website & Social Media
Enter your website address and Instagram handle – if relevant.
Photograph Your Work
Take a high-resolution photo of your work in good lighting, with no shadows falling across it, and closely crop the image to the artwork.
Upload Your Images
Upload your submission images as JPEG or PNG files (maximum file size: 5MB).
Work Title & Description
Add the title and a short description of the work.
Work Statement
Tell us a little about the work (maximum 200 words).
Work Details
Include title, medium, size (cm), weight (if relevant), and year the work was made.
Pricing
Let us know the price of the work.
Number of Works
Select the number of works you would like to enter (up to 5). Make sure to decide this before submitting, as the price changes with multiple submissions.
Terms & Conditions
Make sure you have read the full Terms & Conditions here before submitting.
Payment
Once you're ready, add your card details and click "Pay".
Refunds
You may withdraw your work from the competition by contacting hello@visual-artists.org - however, there are no refunds on entry fees.
Notifications
Ensure you are subscribed to the Visual Artists Association newsletter for updates and mark hello@visual-artists.org as a safe sender or add it to your list of allowed email addresses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ELIGIBILITY

Who can enter the Artist of the Year Award?
The competition is open to both amateur and professional artists working in any medium.

Are there age restrictions to entering the prize?
Yes – all entrants must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission.

Can I enter if I am not a trained artist?
Yes – we welcome applications from artists at all levels, regardless of formal training.

Can I enter under a different name?
Yes. Artists may use a pseudonym or exhibiting name.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

What is the submission procedure?
Please read the full instructions on how to apply. Then complete the application form. Once submitted, your application will be processed within five working days. A confirmation email will be sent to the address you provided.

If you do not receive confirmation, please email us at hello@visual-artists.org.

How many works can I submit?
You may enter up to five artworks.

How many images per artwork can I upload?
You may upload a maximum of five images per submission using the online form.

When do I submit my images?
Images must be uploaded as part of the online application. If you have trouble doing so, please contact us.

Can I change my contact details after submission?
Yes – if your email address, phone number or postal address changes after submitting your application, please let us know so we can update your information.

ENTRY FEES

How much does it cost to enter?
Entry is free for VAA Premium Members (proof of membership required).

The standard entry fee is £20 for one artwork, with an additional £10 per artwork thereafter (up to five artworks total).

Student artists receive a discounted rate: £8 for one artwork, with £6 per additional artwork (proof of student status required).

JUDGING & COMPETITION PHASES

How are artworks judged?
All works are judged anonymously by our panel of esteemed jurors. The judging panel receives only the artwork title, size, medium, and description – artist names are not disclosed. Judges are looking for originality, technical skill, creativity, and a clear artistic vision.

Who are the judges and how are they selected?
Jurors are selected by the Visual Artists Association (VAA) and may include artists, writers, curators, collectors, and art critics from the international contemporary art scene. Find out who this years judges are here.

Why is the competition run in three phases?
The Artist of the Year Award is divided into three phases each year for administrative purposes. All entries are judged equally regardless of the phase in which they are submitted.

When will I hear if my application is successful?
Due to the high volume of submissions, we are only able to notify artists who are Longlisted, Shortlisted, or selected as Finalists. Notifications will be sent by email. Please refer to the Key Dates on the homepage for announcement schedules.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

How recent must the work be?
We recommend submitting new or recent work, ideally created within the last three years.

Does my work need to be for sale?
Yes – the overall winning artwork must be available for sale during the exhibition. The Artist of the Year Award team will manage all sales exclusively for the duration of the exhibition.

Do I need to frame my artwork?
If you are selected as the overall winner and your work requires framing for display, you will be responsible for arranging this prior to the final exhibition.

EXHIBITION & SALES

When is the Private View for exhibitors?
The overall winner will be contacted directly with details regarding the Private View and exhibition dates.

What happens if my work is sold?
You will be notified by a member of the AOTY team. After the exhibition concludes, we will arrange payment and coordinate collection of the work with the buyer.

Will I be told who purchased my work?
Yes – unless the buyer has requested anonymity, their name will be shared with you.

If you have any other questions, please email us at hello@visual-artists.org.