Visual Art Open 2019 Awards

The VAO art competition is a not for profit event open to both amateur and professional artists based in the UK and internationally. The aim is to give artists the ultimate platform to develop their passion and career in the arts sector. Finalists will benefit from exhibiting, selling and showcasing their work to art critics and art buyers alike.

Why apply?

1. As all artists know, art competitions are a really great way to announce your presence into the art world. Applying to the VAO gives you the chance to showcase yourself and make connections with art enthusiasts, critics and purchasers alike.

2. The VAO offers a fun, constructive and professional environment in which to learn, to be inspired by other artists and build your own skills and self-confidence.

3. As each round of judging passes, your work will be promoted across our social media and website as well as the opportunity to be featured in regional and national press, opening your work to a greater audience.

4. You will have the chance to win not only a cash prize of £1000, but also a commercial mentoring package to further develop your work and career as an artist and a spot at next year’s Chester Arts Fair.

5. As a finalist your work will be included in our VAO brochures, a physical memento of the Chester Arts fair that every visitor will leave with.

The VAO competition is currently running in its third consecutive year, is open to both amateur and professional artists.

The primary goal of the awards is to reveal and establish artists' profiles in the contemporary art world.

Overall Winner Receives:

• A Cash prize of £1,000.00 to support the production of new works.
• Commercial mentoring package.
• Exclusive solo show. The location of the solo show will be decided in consultation with the winning artist.
• Exhibition at Chester Arts Fair 2020 worth £1,000.

£250.00 will be awarded for each winning category

Categories

There are six key categories for entrants to apply to: ​​

• ​Painting & Mixed Media & Printmaking
• Illustration & Drawing
• Sculpture
• Photography
• Digital
• Young Artist (Under 24)