Whether you’ve been making work for decades or are just beginning to find your voice, The Artist Prize is for you. We believe that talent doesn’t come with a CV, a degree, or a single defining style. Here’s everything you need to know about submitting.
Are You Eligible for the prize?
Before you apply, check that you meet the following criteria:
You must be based in the UK and aged 18 or over. Your work must have been created within the last 2 years. All mediums and all career stages are welcome, and there are no formal qualifications required.
What to Submit
You may submit one artwork per submission, in one of the following categories:
Painting & Drawing, Photography & Printmaking, Sculpture & Installation, Digital, Video & New Media, Performance, Mixed Media & Other.
Choose the category that best fits your work. If it sits between categories, Mixed Media & Other is there for you.
How to Submit
Submissions are made through Zealous. Create a free account and follow the steps to upload your work and complete your application.
What You’ll Be Asked
As part of your submission you’ll answer a series of questions. Those marked with an asterisk are mandatory.
About your work:
What or who inspired this work? How was the work made? Why is this work important to you? Have you used AI in the generation of your work?
About you:
How long you’ve been practising your craft, your age, your pronouns, your ethnic origin, whether you consider yourself disabled under the Equality Act 2010, what the main earner in your household did when you were a child, and how you heard about The Artist Prize.
Optional:
Your website, your Instagram handle, whether you currently earn an income from your craft and whether that has changed in the last year, what this prize would make possible for you that feels just out of reach right now, and anything else you’d like to add about being a creative in the UK.
A Few Tips Before You Submit
Give your answers space. Write honestly and in your own voice.
Don’t overthink eligibility. No qualifications, no career milestone, no particular medium required. If you’re UK-based, 18 or over, with work made in the last two years, you’re in.
One artwork per submission. Make it count – choose the piece that best represents where your practice is right now.
Keep in mind the fee. Details about our fees can be found here.
The Deadline
Applications close: 8 July 2026.
Give yourself time to write considered answers and check your submission before it goes in.
Ready?
Head to Zealous to begin your submission. If you have any questions, get in touch.
Good luck. We can’t wait to see what you’re making.