British Art Prize 2026 — international competition with a London exhibition and £10,000 in prizes
If you are looking for an opportunity to break into the international scene and showcase your work in a professional context, this competition offers a clear and structured entry point.
It combines an online selection process with a physical exhibition, enabling you to move from a digital submission to a London exhibition and publication in a specialist magazine.
The competition is organised by Artists & Illustrators magazine and is open to a wide range of artistic practices — from painting and graphic art to photography and mixed media. The selection process takes place in two stages: first, the jury reviews digital images, then a shortlist of finalists is drawn up, whose works will be featured in the exhibition and the supporting programme.
Physical presence in London is not required — remote participation is possible if you are ready to organise delivery and return of your work yourself.
What participation offers
Participation functions as a tool for professional visibility, where not only the outcome matters, but also the process of engaging with the international art scene.
Participants gain: international visibility through the exhibition and the online platform; features in *Artists & Illustrators* magazine; attention from galleries, collectors and the professional art community; and the opportunity to sell their work during the exhibition.
The competition prize fund
1st place – £2,000 + a solo exhibition + publication;
2nd place – a cash prize + materials + publication;
3rd place – vouchers + publication + participation in an exhibition.
Additionally, works will be featured in print and online publications, thereby establishing the artist’s presence within the professional field.
Entry requirements
All styles, materials and techniques are accepted, including painting, graphic art, photography and mixed media. The competition format is open-ended, so entries may be submitted regardless of the artistic medium chosen.
Works created using AI will not be considered, as the competition focuses on the artist’s own practice and individual artistic expression.
The maximum size of a work must not exceed 275 × 275 cm.
If a work reaches the final, it must be physically sent to the exhibition and remain available for the entire duration of the show.
Participation conditions
Each artist may submit up to 20 works. Submissions are made online: you need to upload images and complete the application form.
The key factor is the quality of the submission: images must not only be technically sound, but also accurately convey the work, its scale and details.
Entry fee: £24 for the first work, £19 for each additional one.
Works must be available for sale — the organisers’ commission is approximately 45% + VAT. This is part of the exhibition model: the team handles promotion and communication with buyers, while the artist gains access to an audience and the market.
Logistics and participation in the exhibition
If a work is shortlisted, it must be sent to the organisers’ address in London by the specified deadline. Courier services or specialist art transport are usually used for this purpose.
Once the exhibition has ended, the artist is also responsible for arranging the return of the work – it is advisable to plan the return delivery method in advance.
When sending items internationally, it is important to specify that the work is being sent for a temporary exhibition with subsequent return to avoid additional customs charges.
Key dates
It is important to plan your participation carefully, as the competition includes both the submission stage and the physical exhibition.
Selection and preparation of finalists — early October 2026
Exhibition in London (OXO Gallery) — 21–25 October 2026
Publication of results and materials — from 23 October 2026
If your work reaches the final, you will need to allow time in advance for delivery, participation in the exhibition and the subsequent return of the works.
The deadline for applications is 7 August 2026.
