Wells Art Contemporary ends 1 June 2025

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Deadline: 1 June 2025. Established in 2012 by artists for artists, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is an international opportunity for innovative visual artists working in all genres.

Artists can choose whether they wish to Exhibit in the Gallery or Create a Site-Specific Installation and should respond to the appropriate call for entry.

WAC allows UK and international artists to put their work before a prestigious panel of judges. Selected entries are exhibited in the remarkable Gothic spaces of Wells Cathedral and seen by up to 50,000 people annually.

There are two ways to participate:
– Exhibit in the Gallery: Selected artworks will be shown in a white-wall gallery specially built within the Cathedral cloisters. Work in any medium—including painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, video, digital, textile, and mixed media—will be considered. The WAC team will handle the hanging and display of all works.
– Create a Site-Specific Installation: Artists are invited to propose installations for the Cathedral’s interior or grounds, creating work that directly engages with this extraordinary space. If selected, artists will install their own work.

Prizes:

Artists taking part in Wells Art Contemporary will have the chance to win a wide range of prizes:

Howden Art Award: £2,000 to one artist
NG Art Creative Residency: a two-week placement at NG Art Creative Residency in Provence, including board and lodging, studio space, and mentorship.
Jane Bowe Memorial Prize: £500 to a work by a Somerset artist chosen by Martin Bowe.
The Grace Student Prize: £250 awarded to a current fine art student aged under 26 enrolled on a recognised Bachelor or Masters Fine Arts course. Generously donated by Tracey Grace.
Parker Harris Mentoring Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session covering all aspects of professional development to a selected artist.
Somerset Art Works Mentoring Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session to an artist based in Somerset.
St Cuthberts Mill Award: 20 sheets of Saunders Waterford 300gsm worth over £120 to an artist who works on paper.
People’s Choice Prize: £500 to the artwork which received the most public votes.

Photo Contest Website: https://artopps.co.uk/opportunities/wells-art-contemporary2025