[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Visual Art Open announces a call for artists for Visual Art Open (VAO) 2025.
The VAO is a prestigious art competition celebrating creativity across all levels of artistic experience. Offering a £10,000 prize fund, this platform provides exceptional opportunities for artists, from emerging talents to established professionals. Participants gain global recognition through social media promotion, a finalist exhibition in London, and access to a network of art collectors and enthusiasts. The VAO fosters inclusivity with multiple categories, empowering artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their individuality.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 12 March 2025
In collaboration with the Visual Artists Association (VAA), the competition ensures winners receive career-boosting support, including cash prizes, mentorship, memberships, and exhibition opportunities. As a not-for-profit initiative funded by registration fees, donations, and sponsorships, the VAO passionately supports artists while aiming to make art accessible and impactful. By entering, artists connect with a vibrant community, gain exposure, and embrace unique opportunities to advance their careers.
Artists can gain significant benefits from participating in the Visual Art Open (VAO) competition:
- Cash Prizes: The total prize fund of £10,000 includes financial rewards for winners, helping to support their artistic journey.
- Global Exposure: Winners and finalists receive extensive promotion across social media, exhibitions, and through a network of art collectors and enthusiasts.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Finalists showcase their work at a prestigious exhibition in London, offering a chance to connect directly with the art community.
- Career Support: Winners gain mentorship, Visual Artists Association (VAA) memberships, and guidance to advance their artistic careers.
- Community Engagement: Artists join a vibrant and supportive community, gaining inspiration and networking opportunities.
About The Visual Art Open
The Visual Art Open (VAO) stands out as an exciting and meaningful opportunity for artists at any stage of their career. It offers a platform for creative individuals to showcase their talent on a global scale, with the chance to gain international recognition and valuable exposure.
What makes it particularly intriguing is its holistic approach to supporting artists. Beyond the impressive £10,000 prize fund, the VAO provides career-advancing benefits such as mentorship, exhibition opportunities in London, and promotion across a network of collectors and art enthusiasts. Its inclusive categories encourage diversity and celebrate individuality in the art world.
Moreover, the competition’s partnership with the Visual Artists Association ensures ongoing support for winners, making it not just a contest but a career-boosting experience. The VAO also contributes to the art community as a not-for-profit initiative, adding a sense of purpose and impact. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, opportunity, and support!
For more information, contact info@visualartopen.com
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Visual Artists Association (VAA) announces a call for artists for the International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize, an exciting initiative designed to support and elevate emerging and re-emerging artists. Announced in Summer 2022, the Prize is a comprehensive programme worth £20,000. It aims to provide artists with crucial resources to develop their arts businesses and enhance their international exposure while contributing to the VAA artist education programmes.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 19 September 2024
Artist Benefits
- Exhibition in Central London: Winners will exhibit their artwork in a London venue.
- Mentorship Package: The four-week Artists Momentum course features weekly online sessions with industry experts, offering personalized guidance to help artists unlock their potential.
- Art Portfolio Review: Winners will have an exclusive one-on-one session to discuss their current practice, gain insights, identify new opportunities, and overcome challenges.
- Monthly Online Group Support Sessions: These drop-in sessions offer a collaborative environment for artists to share experiences, knowledge, and receive support to fuel their artistic growth.
- Networking Opportunities: Winners can build lifelong connections with fellow artists through exclusive networking events and activities.
- Access to VAA Resources Vault: Unlimited access to a wealth of resources
Artfinder Benefits
For the VAA’s International Exhibition and Scholarship Prize, Artfinder would like to welcome the winner to their platform, with a prize comprising a free Homepage Placement and a free six month Professional Plan, which includes unlimited artworks upload, a reduced commission rate, and many other features such as in-depth reports.
Artfinder will contact selected participants who have entered the competition with an offer to join the platform to help them expand their sales potential to an international database of art collectors. They will provide help through a faster application process, support to get their shop live, and promotion on site and email.
About Visual Artists Association
The Visaul Artists Association champions artists at all stages of their careers to succeed in the business of art. VAA assists artists in building their businesses by generating sales via marketing and distribution channels (self-representation, galleries, publishers) as well as advising on personal brand creation, alongside the practicalities of managing your arts business.
The VAA offers members the right tools to succeed including access to a range of training, business advice services, online resources, events, and access to a supportive and progressive community.
For more information, contact hello@visual-artists.org
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Boomer Gallery announces an invitation to creators across all visual arts disciplines: The Boomer Art Prize. The gallery welcomes wholeheartedly passionate artists from both local and international backgrounds to submit their artwork. The gallery welcomes all artists, whether emerging or established, to share their unique voices and visions. The gallery’s quest is to discover diverse creativity from all corners of the world.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 25 September 2023
For a nominal fee of only £35, submit three of your artworks to The Boomer Art Prize. Each additional artwork beyond the initial three adds a cost of just £10.
Artists of any country, age, and background can apply. Submit works that have been previously exhibited or published. There are no thematic limitations. 2D works should not exceed 230×230 cm. 3D artwork (sculptures, installations) should not be bigger than 230 cm high and 150 cm wide on any side. Apply with a minimum of 3 works and a maximum of 5.
Important Dates
- The 50 preselected artists will be listed on the Boomer Gallery website on October 10, 2023
- The jury will meet and select the 20 winners of the competition on October 20, 2023
- The final results will be available on the Boomer Gallery website on October 22, 2023
The gallery does not contact each artist applicant individually regarding the open call results. Check the gallery’s website on October 22, 2023, to see the results. The 50 preselected artists will be contacted individually.
Jury
- Anthony Fawcett: Esteemed art critic and historian known for his extensive collaborations with globally-renowned artists. His illustrious career boasts of interactions with icons such as Man Ray, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and Andy Warhol, and his guidance in the “Anthony Fawcett Archive” project with the Tate Gallery.
- Tabish Khan: An art critic specializing in London’s art scene, Tabish is the visual arts editor for Londonist. He regularly contributes to Culture Whisper and writes for FAD’s “What’s Wrong With Art?” series. His dedication to supporting artists is displayed in his trustee roles at ArtCan and City & Guilds London Art School.
- Constantin Cosmin: An internationally acclaimed visual artist and co-founder of Boomer Gallery. As an editor at Boomer Magazine and a featured artist on Artsy, Constantin offers a unique perspective to the panel, drawing from his extensive firsthand experience in the art world.
The Boomer Art Prize Artist Benefits
Successful applicants will receive £10,000 in cash awards and exhibition opportunities in an iconic gallery space near Tower Bridge, London.
- 1st place – £5,000 and a solo show
- 2nd place – £3,000 and inclusion in two group shows
- 3rd place – £2,000 and inclusion in one group shows
- 4th to 20th place winners – included in one of the group shows
Cash awards will be paid to the winners within 48 hours after validating the votes. All 20 winners will be contacted individually regarding exhibition dates, delivery, and other details. The solo show is planned for January 2024, but the exact dates will be mutually agreed upon between the gallery and the winner of the 1st place. The group show is scheduled for November 2023. All winners will be contacted individually at least three weeks in advance. Should any of the winners wish to attend the show in person but face visa restrictions, the gallery will provide a letter of recommendation. This letter will be stamped and signed by both the gallery and the three esteemed judges of this grand competition.
About Boomer Gallery
Boomer Gallery is a unique platform for artists around the world, standing out for its diverse showcase of talent and remarkable curation led by art critic and historian Anthony Fawcett. The gallery transcends cultural boundaries, bringing to light emerging artistic gems and providing them a global stage.
The gallery is committed to promoting artistic expression in all its forms and facilitating the growth and recognition of artists. They do more than just host exhibitions, they catalyze artists’ journeys and create a ripple effect of creativity and innovation in the global art community – a unique blend of support, exposure, and reward.
For more information, contact email@boomergallery.net.
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Holy Art Gallery announces a call for artists for the 2023 Best Asian Artist virtual competition. Submit works in any medium. This is an open theme exhibition. Artists from all countries are welcome to submit their works for consideration. You are welcome to submit works in any medium.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 29 December 2023
There is a chargeable fee ($55) for up to 3 x artworks.
Cash prizes available.
All Best Asian Artist participants will be included in an art loop on a dedicated screen in the Holy Art Gallery’s London location. Opening nights are often attended by 400 people.
The Holy Art Gallery’s website has 1,500 daily users. Their newsletter has 20,000 subscribers and Instagram account has 50,000 followers.
For artwork purchases, buyers will be directed to the artists. 0% commission from any sold work. 100% of funds go to the artist.
I have to say your exposition is really impressive. At first when I saw your open calls I didn’t think it would be a virtual environment but I was surprised. Your virtual environment shows you pay attention to detail, it’s not just the room itself, it has assets and makes it feel like a real space you would contemplate art, lights above the paintings, benchs, little plant pots, windows and open spaces, even fire extinguishers were added to the mockup, all that makes it feels like a safe space. I also really liked the way you organized your artists, they seem to complement each other and a lot of rooms had cohesion in style even if the whole exposition had variety. A lot of different levels of technic and different mediums too which allows a lot of artists to expand and grow no matter the stage, overall a lot of diversity but still consistent. It made me feel included in the art world, and sometimes as a young artist you don’t know how to seek that without feeling overwhelmed. This was a nice choice. It was really nice participating in The Art Of Self Regulation, it gave me a very nice experience for my first exposition even if online, and a somewhat similar feeling to what it’s to participate in a collective one. The team was really patient with me and I’m glad. – Tear
I’m Qöruja artist based in Valladolid (Spain). It has been a wonderful experience to work with The Holy Art Gallery. The virtual exhibition Cosmosis is an awesome project. I highlight from this gallery the incredible work, the kindness, disposition and professionalism. A great reference and pride for art! I will be happy to continue working and collaborating with them. – Imelda Hidalgo Zan/Qöruja
Right now, there is a surge of independent creatives wanting to do it themselves. The D.I.Y wave is probably the right term to use. Yet we can only get so far when we do it ourselves, trust me, I know, this is when collectives like the Holy Art become essential. Not only have they built a collective from the ground up, starting with facilitating virtual exhibitions for hundreds and hundreds of aspiring and emerging artists but they have created a platform for others to be seen, heard, and appreciated, three things we creatives want. The effort placed into what they are doing is not shallow, there is a real depth in wanting to display the works of creatives that are not being given the light of day. Something we do not see in the creative industry. They are not hard to reach, truly an email away from beginning your creative endeavour and I highly recommend you doing so. – Jaffar Aly
The NOSTALGIA exhibition was the first virtual show I participated in. Before that the very idea of showcasing my tactile textile art pieces in a digital space was absolutely abhorrent to me. However, the superb Holy Art team completely changed my view on it. The exhibitions are curated with so much care and the translation of a physical gallery space into a virtual one is done with great love to detail. I am glad I submitted my work and am grateful for the opportunity I was given be able to introduce my art to a broad, completely new and international audience I would not have reached with a physical show. From start to finish it has been a pleasure and. wonderful experience and a big part of that was thanks to the brilliant Holy Art team. – Vivien Reinert
The Holy Art are a wonderful gallery to work with. Their shows are articulately curated to show the best of contemporary art. – Emma Coyle
Glad to be part of this mesmerising virtual exhibition with artists from many different countries. With “Genesis”, art and new technologies create a new dimension and allow everyone, everywhere, to travel beyond time and space – Isabella Morandi
My name is Joanna Jass and I have had the honor of having my work exhibited, twice this year, with The HolyArt Gallery, in their virtual exhibition space. From submission to exhibition, the process has been fluid, professional with fínese and ease. Being able to deal with The Holy Art directly, throughout the process, aided this, and is what makes their group, stand out from others for Art calls. Not only do they showcase brilliant and extraordinary art within a stunning space but they look after the artist too and I respect that hugely! Right down to a simple audio, which is played during the virtual tour, (probably taken from an exhibition opening). Each detail has been thought about and fine-tuned, handled with care. I can not fault it! – Joanna Jass
I loved being a part of The Holy Art exhibition: Atopos! They are great communicators and the exhibition was truly unique. During Covid, when we can’t show our work in person, the amazing virtual walkthrough exhibition experience was very futuristic and accessible. It was a great way to be able to show my work to an international audience with an interesting format, as well as a way to link to other artists and possible clients. Thank you! – Hannah Witner
My first digital exhibition and so happy it was with The Holy Art! The virtual exhibition room was done really professional, the artists participating had beautiful artwork. The submission went quick and clearly, perfect website! Really happy to be part of this and probably again in the future! – Enso Artwork
It was a wonderful experience working with The Holy Art Gallery for the Revolution: Art and Change exhibition. They had the dedication to curate the exhibition to everyone’s needs and to exhibit artist’s work to promote their work in the best way possible. – Daniella Chamborro
I will always think fondly of The Holy Art Gallery for it has been my first London venue I was given the opportunity to show at. The approachability and work ethics of the team are exceptional making the whole experience of gallery – artist relationship easy and positive. The pre-promotion of the show, its Private View organisation, general artist care, and the continuous marketing during the rest of the well curated exhibition were faultless. A truly wonderful collective helping artists to be seen in an otherwise noisy world. – Veronika Lavey
I had a very good experience participating in the open call for virtual exhibitions. As a self-taught artist, it can be difficult to get an early show because you don’t have a connection to the art world, but THE HOLY ART is equally welcoming. The quality of the virtual exhibitions is excellent, and the promotion on SNS shows a very positive atmosphere at the gallery. It is a valuable gallery that helps all artists grow, regardless of their stage of career. I am grateful to have found a very conscientious gallery! – oxq
Having recently set myself up on Instagram as a platform to promote my work, I stumbled across The Holy Art whilst searching for open call and gallery opportunities. What initially grabbed my attention was their minimalist website and IG page which allowed the art to stand out. Since I first approached them in May 2021 I have been lucky enough to be chosen to feature in several of their virtual and physical exhibitions; Symphonia, Utopia, Revolution, and Cosmosis. From the start, I was very impressed with their professional and friendly nature. They know how to engage with artists and are quick to respond to any communication. Their promotional materials are sent out in good time and they will promote exhibitions and individual artists as promised on social media. It has been a pleasure working with The Holy Art thus far and I hope to build on the relationship. Having the support of an established gallery such as The Holy Art has been a great confidence boost. Thank you – Christopher Barrett
Working with you was very interesting for me and contributed to my personal development. Everything was very well organized, from open calls to souvenirs in your art market. The PR campaigns of the exhibitions were exciting, everyone wanted to drop in and look at something special. Your uniqueness is respect for all the artists you work with. I hope we will work together again! – Toma Savelyeva
My name is Guto Ajayu! artist based in Madrid, Spain. My experience with THE HOLY ART was very positive! It is a professional and serious gallery! I am very happy with my experience with them and I hope to continue collaborating in the future! – Guto Ayaju
Having my artworks chosen for the Genesis Virtual exhibition is a true honour! The Holy Art team has done an incredible job curating this gorgeous exhibition. In Rooms 1 and 2 you will find a variety of artworks, covering many styles and media, coming together beautifully. My experience with The Holy Art has been fantastic. Throughout the submission, selection and exhibition process, the amazing team was there for all my questions. Their timely support was truly impeccable and as professional as it gets! Thank you The Holy Art team!! – Clara Lemos
Its such an honor to be chosen to exhibit my work in a virtual exhibition of this wonderful gallery! They did such a great job to simulate a gallery. The artworks that are exhibited are very interesting as well. I had such a wonderful time looking around. Keep doing your amazing job guys and thank you! – Valeria Ganzman
I think online exhibition is a very convenient and good way to display artist works. You can see different works from anywhere and at any time. You can watch each author’s unique interpretation over and over again I guess this is the best way in this situation. – Zhang Fan
It’s fantastic to work with The Holy Art！As an artist，I am glad to see their patience and profession. The Holy Art offers a convenient and creative opportunity for collectors and artists from all world, especially under the pandemic circumstance. I appreciate their diversified and Avant-garde style which I can see from their previous exhibitions. It’s grateful to have a chance to cooperating with them. – Meng Lu
In a sea of art galleries, The Holy Art Gallery stands out as a highly professional one with a broad knowledge and sensibility for quality art works. Their exhibitions are thoroughly thought out and and the viewer gets to experience the curating finesse the team posses in the choice and in the placing of the works. For me as a young artist it was a pleasure to be selected to display my sculptures with the gallery and I am looking forward to further collaborations. – Aleksandra Belic
About The Holy Art Gallery
The Holy Art Gallery has two permanent spaces, Athens and London. With an ever growing audience, the gallery has captured the attention of mainstream media and been featured in Harpers Bazzar Malaisia, Diner’s CLub Ecuador, Mega Channel Greece, and GQ Magazine UK.
For more information, contact virtual@theholyart.com.
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[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Holy Art Gallery announces a call for artists for the 2023 Best American Artist virtual exhibition. Submit works in any medium. This is an open theme exhibition.
Click here for the application / registration
Enter by: 5 November 2023
Any American artist from any background can submit their work. There is no charge to submit your application. A fee ($55) is chargeable to the artist once they have been selected for the exhibition.
Virtual shows have a reach of 3.5 million people weekly. First place prize is $1000.
For artwork purchases, buyers will be directed to the artists. 0% commission from any sold work. 100% of funds go to the artist.
About The Holy Art Gallery
The Holy Art Gallery is a group of companies and young art organization. With two permanent galleries, a series of art fairs, and pop up events, the gallery offers a unique boost for artists attempting to differentiate their art.
For more information, contact virtual@theholyart.com.
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The Kent Medway Museums National Portfolio Organisation Partnership (KMM NPO) are seeking proposals from sound artists to create new audio artworks to be accessioned as permanent artefacts within the museum collections. ‘Ten Songs for a Lar’ is an ambitious new commission searching for multiple audio interpretations of a bronze ‘Lar’ – a household god figurine (dated circa. 200AD) held in the collections at The Guildhall Museum, Rochester, UK.
Click here for the application / registration
Deadline: 15 Jun 2020
This commission is part of the KMM NPO’s ambition to produce artworks that encourage audiences to think about ‘What is collecting? What makes a display? Which stories are being told at museums and how?’ Museum objects, often grouped in predefined, restricted spaces sit silently, sparsely captioned, awaiting the attention of further, deeper, exploration. Museums do not just collect, care, and exhibit objects; they categorise, contextualise, and interpret objects to fulfill their own, and their intended audiences, requirements. The many stories behind these often human made objects, and the emotive connections they intend to make, can therefore become difficult to obtain.
The KMM NPO is looking to appoint 10 musicians or artists (from across the globe) working with sound to create individual, thought provoking, emotive works to interpret a Lar figurine – an inherently ‘traditional’ museum object. Without the need for images, physical presence, and perhaps even words, we want to know: ‘what does this object say to you, and what stories do you wish to give voice to, and bring to life, through music and sound?’.
Ten Songs For A Lar: Benefits
Successful artists will receive £1,000 per selected track (inclusive of VAT).
Inspired by the Guildhall Lar, the commission will comprise of 10 separate audio responses. The 10 audio responses will:
- Become permanent digital artefacts accessioned (added to) the collections of the NPO partners
- Made into a physical, limited-edition vinyl record to be deposited in each of the museums partners collections
- Be promoted individually and as a group of audio tracks (album)
- Exhibited together as part of a touring exhibition/display
- Through the process of this commission the KMM NPO also intends to achieve broader aims of:
- Showing and interpreting collections in new and exciting ways
- Reaching new, and broader audiences
- Extend the cultural offering at each of the partner organisations
- Promote a diverse and varied point of view in response to traditional museum items
- Continue to challenge the boundaries of commissioning within museums by embracing non-physical, non-visual, creative outputs
- Maximise the potential of those working from home, via digital platforms and the ability to work and share creativity within the current climate
- Lead innovatively, and with flexibility – supporting and showcase artist otherwise unable to currently work and develop their practice
About The Kent Medway Museums National Portfolio Organisation Partnership
The KMM NPO is a group of four museums (The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Canterbury Museums & Galleries, Guildhall Museum Rochester and Tunbridge Wells Museum & Gallery) funded by Arts Council England (ACE) to work together to deliver excellence in the use of collections and to inspire learning, creativity, and well-being to existing and new audiences in their communities.
For more information, contact luke.currall@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.