Visual Art Open 2026

The Visual Art Open (VAO) is an international art prize designed to celebrate and elevate artists at every stage of their creative journey. With a £10,000 prize fund and a prestigious finalists' exhibition at London's iconic Minster Building, the VAO provides global visibility and meaningful career advancement. Artists benefit from expert judging across galleries, museums, media, and academia, ensuring a broad and credible evaluation of their work. Beyond cash awards, winners and finalists gain access to professional development programmes, VAA membership benefits, mentorship, and extensive online promotion to a community of over 60,000 art lovers, curators, and collectors. Open to artists worldwide and committed to inclusivity, the VAO offers categories spanning painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital art, and more. Every entrant receives exposure across social platforms and email features, making the prize a powerful platform for emerging and established artists alike.