Organizer Information
The Cass Art Prize is presented by The Cass Group, a UK-based organization closely associated with Cass Art, one of the United Kingdom’s leading art supply retailers and cultural advocates for accessible artistic practice. Cass Art has long positioned itself as a supporter of artists at all levels, promoting the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to make art and access high-quality materials.
Through initiatives such as The Cass Art Prize, the organization extends its mission beyond retail into the contemporary art ecosystem, actively contributing to exhibition-making, talent development, and public engagement with visual arts. The prize has grown into a significant annual platform for artists across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, combining financial awards with exhibition opportunities and professional development pathways.
The 2026 edition continues this trajectory by expanding category-based recognition and strengthening institutional partnerships with galleries, publishers, and art education platforms. The prize is judged by an established panel of artists, curators, writers, and cultural professionals with national and international standing.
Title & Description
The Cass Art Prize 2026 is a major contemporary visual art competition designed to highlight and support artists working across the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The open call invites submissions of original 2D and 3D artworks made using analogue processes and materials.
The prize awards a total fund of over £30,000, including a £10,000 main cash prize, alongside multiple category-specific awards and professional development opportunities. Selected artists will be included in a group exhibition at The Bomb Factory in Marylebone, London (Autumn 2026), offering significant visibility in a high-profile contemporary art space.
The prize structure is intentionally diverse, with awards spanning traditional and contemporary practices, including oil painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and large-scale works. New for 2026 is a Large-Scale Artwork Award, expanding recognition for spatial and installation-oriented practices.
In addition to monetary awards, the programme includes career-defining opportunities such as a solo exhibition at Soho Revue, participation in The Other Art Fair Showcase Award, and development support through mentorship and institutional partnerships.
Categories
- Oil Painting
- Acrylic Painting
- Watercolour
- Drawing & Sketching
- Pastel
- Mixed Media & Printmaking
- 3D Artwork / Sculpture
- Large-Scale Artwork (new 2026 category)
- Other (eligible analogue-based practices)
Eligibility
- Artists aged 18+
- Based in the UK, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or the Republic of Ireland
- Practising across all experience levels (from emerging to established artists)
Additional eligibility notes:
- Works must be completed after 1 March 2023
- Only analogue (non-digital) 2D and 3D works are accepted
- Photography, film, video, sound art, performance, AI art, NFTs, and fully digital works are not eligible
- Collaborative and collective submissions are not accepted
- Artists may submit up to 4 artworks
- Previous participants are allowed, with restrictions for prior winners of the Main Prize
Special award eligibility:
- Students Award: Enrolled in a recognised institution (minimum 1-year course, UK/ROI)
- Art Educators Award: Teachers, tutors, technicians, or registered art therapists in UK/ROI
- Emerging Artist Award: Artists aged 35 or under
- Over 65 Award: Artists aged 65 or over
Program Benefits & Awards
- £10,000 Main Prize Winner
- £30,000+ total prize fund across categories
- Students Award: £1,500 art supplies (Faber-Castell)
- Art Educators Award: £1,000 art books (Thames & Hudson)
- Solo Exhibition Award (Soho Revue, London)
- Showcase Award (The Other Art Fair, 2027)
- Development Award (Contemporary Art Academy support)
- Exhibition participation at The Bomb Factory, London
- Group exhibition in a major London contemporary art venue
- National visibility through a curated shortlist presentation
- Public voting for the People’s Choice Award
- 16 total prizes and award winners selected by guest judges
- Category awards across multiple mediums
- Internationally visible judging panel composed of established artists, curators, and writers
Application Fee
- First entry: £12
- Additional entries: £8 per artwork
- Students Award: £10 first entry / £6 additional
- Art Educators Award: £10 first entry / £8 additional
Applicants may submit up to 4 artworks total. Payments are processed through the Zealous submission platform.
Application Requirements
- High-resolution images of artwork (JPEG/JPG/PNG, 3–8MB recommended)
- Artwork title
- Medium and category selection
- Dimensions (cm), year, weight (if applicable)
- Short artwork description (max 200 words)
- Artist biography (max 200 words)
- Price information (if artwork is for sale)
- Website and Instagram (optional)
- Date of birth (if applying for age-based awards)
- Contact information
- Award preference selection (if applicable)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 12 May 2026
- Notification of Results: 21–23 July 2026
- Shortlist Published: 21 July 2026
- Private View & Winners Announcement: 5 November 2026
- Exhibition Dates: 6–14 November 2026
- People’s Choice Award Announcement: Spring 2027
- Other Award Outcomes (ongoing): 2027 (Soho Revue / Other Art Fair exhibitions)
Location
Marylebone, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Artists retain flexibility in applying for multiple award categories (within submission rules).
- Works must not have won prior awards or be simultaneously entered into conflicting competitions during the eligibility period.
- All submissions must comply with analogue/material-based practice requirements.
- Shortlisted artists are expected to participate in a major London group exhibition.
- A public People’s Choice Award will be voted on by exhibition visitors.
- Refunds are not provided after payment submission.