The British Art Prize 2026 is now open for entries!
The British Art Prize, run by Artists & Illustrators magazine, is one of the UK’s most exciting annual art competitions showcasing the talent and diversity of contemporary artists from around the world.
Short description
Artists & Illustrators magazine is delighted to be back with The British Art Prize 2026.
Each year, a panel of leading curators, gallerists, and art professionals select a shortlist of outstanding works. These finalists are exhibited at London’s iconic Oxo Gallery, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to see and collect new art.
All styles, media and techniques will be considered, excluding works generated by AI. Entries may include paintings, drawings, textile, prints or mixed media. Collaborative artworks can be submitted. No giclée reproductions, or copies of original works generated in other media will be accepted.
Exhibits must be original, the artist must have all rights to the work.
The British Art Prize offers an unprecedented level of national exposure and the chance for artists to sell their artwork to a combined audience of almost a million art lovers and collectors. There is also a whopping prize fund which includes cash prizes, and shortlisted artists will be included in our exhibition at OXO Gallery from 21-25 October 2026.
Shortlisted artists will also be invited to a prestigious private view reception on 22 October 2026 alongside artists, collectors and other VIP guests.
With a combined audience of nearly one million art lovers and collectors, The British Art Prize offers artists an unrivalled platform for exposure and recognition.
Results is expected to be announced on October 2026.
Submission requirements
Each artwork (even if made of several pieces, e.g. diptychs/triptychs) must not exceed a total of 275cm x 275cm (including the frame) and must not project more than 50cm from the wall.
Eligibility
This international competition is open to everyone – whether you’re an amateur, emerging or professional artist.
Benefits
➜ The overall winner of the British Art Prize will receive a £2,000 cash prize and a solo exhibition at Panter and Hall’s Cecil Court Gallery! Plus a bundle of STAEDTLER art materials and a six-page feature in a future issue of Artists & Illustrators.
➜ 2° prize - A £500 cash prize, a £750 Derwent art materials voucher, and inclusion in the Artists & Illustrators British Art Prize winners’ special issue, where a branded 10-page editorial will include images of all the shortlist and winners.
➜ 3° prize A £750 Royal Talens art materials voucher and inclusion in the British Art Prize winners’ special issue where a branded 10-page editorial will include images of all the shortlist and winners.
➜ THE RAW UMBER STUDIOS PRIZE FOR PORTRAITURE - £750 cash prize and inclusion in the British Art Prize winners’ special issue where a branded 10-page editorial will include images of all the shortlist and winners.
➜ CLAIREFONTAINE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD - £1,000 worth of Clairefontaine products and a six-page feature in a future issue of Artists & Illustrators.
The winning artworks will also be displayed at the exhibition at OXO Gallery from 21-25 October 2026.
Entry fees
The entry fee for the first artwork is £24 and £19 for any additional artwork. You may enter up to 20 works.
