Organizer Information:
The open call is hosted by Jackson’s Art Supplies, a globally recognised retailer and supplier of fine art materials, known for its commitment to supporting artists and art education worldwide. Founded on the principle of providing high-quality tools for creativity, Jackson’s Art has established the annual Jackson’s Art Prize as a significant international platform. Now in its eleventh year, the prize seeks to celebrate artistic excellence and discover both emerging and established talent across various 2D media. The organization aims to foster a creative community and provide substantial financial and material support to artists through this prestigious competition. The organisers also coordinate physical exhibitions for shortlisted works, linking the online competition to tangible presentation opportunities.
Title & Description:
Jackson’s Art Prize 2026
Description: Jackson’s Art Prize is a highly respected international competition dedicated to finding and celebrating the best in contemporary 2D art. Returning for its eleventh edition, the prize is a comprehensive platform for artists to gain exposure, recognition, and substantial financial and material awards. The competition is deliberately open-themed, encouraging submissions of high-quality work regardless of subject matter, allowing artists maximum creative freedom. With 31 prizes available, the initiative aims to offer tiered recognition for artists at all stages of their careers, from amateurs and students to established professionals. The prize recognizes the crucial role that quality art materials play in an artist’s success, which is reflected in the structure of the awards that include both cash prizes and significant material credit. The selection process involves a panel of respected Guest Judges, alongside Jackson’s own expert staff, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation of all entries. The ultimate goal is to connect outstanding artworks with a global audience and provide career-advancing opportunities.
Categories:
The competition is open to works in any 2D medium. This primarily includes:
- Visual Art (Painting)
- Drawing
- Printmaking (Intaglio, Relief, Planographic)
- Pastel
- Watercolour
- Acrylic
- Oil
Exclusions: The following mediums are explicitly not accepted: Three-dimensional or sculptural work, Digital, computer-manipulated, or AI art, Pure photography, and Digital prints (e.g., giclée).
Eligibility:
The competition is open to a broad range of artists, ensuring global participation and inclusion across career stages:
- Artists based in the UK or internationally can apply.
- Amateur, emerging, and established artists are all eligible.
- Students are encouraged to apply and are eligible for a special Student Award, in addition to receiving one free entry.
Program Benefits & Awards:
A total of 31 prizes are available, offering a mix of cash and significant art material credit:
- First Prize: A substantial £6,000 cash prize plus £2,000 in Jackson’s Art materials.
- Jackson’s Choice Awards (5 Winners): £1,000 in art materials each.
- Judge’s Choice Awards (6 Winners): £1,000 in art materials each, selected by the Guest Judges.
- People’s Choice Award: £1,000 in art materials.
- Student Award: £500 in art materials.
- Amateur Award: £500 in art materials.
- Material Awards (8 Categories): Dedicated prizes for specific material use, with winners receiving £750–£1,000 in materials and runners-up receiving £250–£500 in materials.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Shortlisted artists may have their work featured in a physical exhibition, with a key event scheduled at the prestigious Bankside Gallery in London in June 2026, and potential inclusion in the Affordable Art Fair in May 2026.
Application Fee:
- Early Bird Entry: £5 per artwork (Available from November 12 to December 17).
- Standard Entry: £6.50 per artwork (Available from December 18 to February 11).
- Volume Discount: Submit 5 artworks for the price of 4.
- Student Discount: Students receive one free entry.
Application Requirements:
- Sample Artworks: High-quality digital images of the 2D works being submitted (up to 5 artworks recommended for the volume discount).
- Personal Information: Contact and biographical details.
- Artwork Details: Information about the medium, size, and year of creation for each submitted work.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
- Event Date (Affordable Art Fair): 6 May 2026
- Event Date (Bankside Gallery Exhibition): 23 June 2026
Location:
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details:
The competition is a search for high-quality, original art across a wide spectrum of 2D media. Artists are encouraged to submit works in any theme or subject matter. The structure of the award includes dedicated prizes for works made with materials from sponsoring brands (e.g., Michael Harding for Oil, Golden for Acrylic, Schmincke for Watercolour), offering specialized recognition for mastery of specific mediums. Artists interested in the Student category should ensure they are ready to provide proof of student status.
Website Link: https://www.jacksonsart.com/artprize/enter-2026/
