Whether you are an emerging maker, established artist, ceramicist, photographer or multidisciplinary creative, entering open calls, exhibition and competitions can be one of the most valuable ways to grow your practice, expand networks and gain visibility with buyers and galleries
From national exhibitions to international photography awards, 2026 is already offering a wide range of opportunities for artists to share their work, develop confidence and connect with new audiences.
Taking part in exhibitions, competitions and residencies is not only about winning prizes — it is about momentum, experimentation, learning and being part of a wider creative community. Read on for some of the most prestigious art competitions on offer that are looking for entrants now – and keep scrolling for our pick of smaller and regular competitions for those starting out and looking for exposure in a less competitive environment.
And remember – no one is too important for pitting their talents against their artistic peers – many successful artists entered open exhibitions long before wider recognition. Lubaina Himid recently reflected on the importance of persistence and visibility throughout her career leading to representing Britain at the Venice Biennale, while painter Rose Wylie admits she applied for pretty much everything.
Featured Opportunities & Open Calls this month
RWA Annual Open Exhibition 2026
This is the big one – and you will be up against some of the best artists in the world. The RWA Annual Open Exhibition is a major UK exhibition showcasing painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and mixed media from emerging and established artists.
- Closes 22 June 2026
- Open to UK and international artists
- Exhibition in Bristol
Aesthetica Art Prize 2026
This is one of the UK’s best-known contemporary art prizes with exhibition and editorial opportunities – and one of the largest cash prizes on offer in the world of art competitions.
- Main prize: £10,000
- Open internationally
- Deadline: 31 August 2026
The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
This competition is the UK’s leading annual open exhibition dedicated to contemporary drawing practice. Founded in 1994 by Professor Anita Taylor and Paul Thomas, the prize has built an international reputation for championing excellence in drawing across all disciplines. Open to emerging and established artists, designers, and makers across the UK, the exhibition showcases selected works chosen by an expert panel from original submissions. Led by Professor Anita Taylor and supported by the Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust, the exhibition launches in London before touring nationally, celebrating innovation and diversity within contemporary drawing today.
- UK entries
- Work chosen for Trinity Buoy Wharf in London from 17 September – 4 October 2026
- Closes 9 June 2026
- Entry fee £40 per artwork
British Art Prize
The British Art Prize 2026, presented by Artists & Illustrators, is a major international open call offering prizes worth over £10,000, a solo exhibition at a leading London gallery, and magazine features. Open to amateur, emerging, and professional artists worldwide, it welcomes painting, drawing, printmaking, textile, and mixed media (AI-generated works excluded). Shortlisted artists will exhibit at OXO Gallery from 21–25 October 2026, alongside a private view with collectors and VIP guests. With a broad national platform reaching a large art audience, the prize supports visibility, sales opportunities, and professional recognition. Entry fees apply, with up to 20 works permitted per artist.
- Up to 20 works per art
- Prize includes exhibition in London
- Entry fee £24 for first work
- Closes 7 August 2026
Win a Solo Show in Chelsea Gallery Green & Stone
The Gallery at Green & Stone invites emerging artists to enter its largest Summer Exhibition yet, offering the chance to showcase and sell work in Chelsea, London, and online. Celebrating materiality, craftsmanship, and artistic practice ahead of the gallery’s 100-year anniversary, the exhibition provides valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and prizes worth over £20,000, including a fully funded solo exhibition.
Shortlisted works are selected blindly by a rotating guest panel based solely on quality. Since 2018, the exhibition has helped launch the careers of many successful contemporary artists while continuing Green & Stone’s long-standing commitment to supporting emerging talent within the London art scene.
- Emerging artists
- £20,000 prize fund
- Closes 3 June 2026
- Fee £20 per artwork (£15 for under 30s)
Smaller & Digital Opportunities
Not every opportunity needs to be a major national exhibition. Smaller online competitions and digital showcases can be an excellent way to “wet your feet,” test new work and begin building confidence in submitting professionally. There are plenty of digital competitions – but we’ve chosen some of the better established galleries.
These opportunities are often:
- Lower cost or free to enter
- Faster turnaround
- Less intimidating for first-time applicants
- Useful for building exhibition and publication experience
- Great for experimenting with new ideas or unfinished series
The important thing is participation and continuing to make and share work.
The Holy Art Gallery Open Calls
Regular online and hybrid exhibitions open to international artists across painting, photography, ceramics and digital art. They are easy to enter, often cheap but carry less kudos, so perfect for starting out.
- Frequent deadlines
- Beginner-friendly
- Online exhibitions and social promotion
Gallery Ring Online Art Contest
Monthly themed online art competitions with digital exhibitions and awards.
- Low-pressure format
- Open internationally
- Good for first-time submissions
Art Fluent Open Calls
Digital exhibitions and themed competitions for emerging and established artists.
- Multiple themes throughout the year
- International submissions welcome
- Online exposure opportunities
Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery Competitions
Monthly online juried competitions covering abstract, figurative, landscape and mixed media.
- Rolling opportunities
- Easy digital submission process
- Artist profile exposure
Landscapes Art Competition – Megalopolitan Art Gallery
Invites global artists and photographers to submit landscape-inspired works in any medium or style. Awards will be given in painting, photography, and sculpture. Entry fees start at $20, and selected artists receive certificates and exhibition features. Submit entries via Artist Space Gallery.
Megalopolitan Art Gallery invites artists worldwide to submit work for the online exhibition Reflections in Blue, exploring creative interpretations of the color blue through any medium. Open to artists 18+. Entry fee is €25 for two works. Deadline: May 28, 2026. Selected artists receive certificates and international online exposure.
And finally…
Creativity grows through participation. Applying for an opportunity, sharing work publicly and joining creative conversations are all part of sustaining artistic practice.
Even if you are not selected every time, the process itself helps develop resilience, visibility and artistic direction.
