Organizer Information:

Well Hung Gallery (in partnership with Great Art). The prize aims to highlight exciting contemporary painting and support emerging artists working today.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the first Well Hung Painting Prize.

This competition invites emerging painters to submit their works for a chance to be featured in a summer gallery exhibition on Hoxton Street. From the shortlisted exhibiting artists, an external panel of judges will select one overall winner and two runners-up for cash-value prizes and future exhibition opportunities.

Category:

Painting.

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open strictly to UK-based painters.
  • Previous Exhibitors: Artists who have exhibited with Well Hung previously are NOT permitted to enter.
  • Medium: Only completed, ready-to-hang paintings may be submitted.
  • Dimensions: The maximum size is 80 × 80 cm (including the frame). Smaller works are highly encouraged due to the scale of the gallery space.
  • Availability & Sales: Submitted works must be currently available, free to exhibit during the exhibition period, and MUST be for sale.
  • Sales Commission: Well Hung Gallery retains a 50% commission on all sales.
  • Shipping: Artists are completely responsible for all transport arrangements, including the delivery of selected works and the collection of unsold works.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Shortlisted Artists: Will have their work exhibited this summer (July 9 – August 23, 2026) at the gallery space on Hoxton Street.
  • Overall Winner: A fully-funded Solo Exhibition at Well Hung Gallery in 2027 AND a £500 GreatArt Materials voucher.
  • Two Runners-Up: A £200 Great Art materials bundle AND a £200 voucher for Well Hung Framing.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to enter.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Entries are made exclusively via Instagram. Your Instagram account MUST be public.
  • Submission Limits: You may submit as many paintings as you wish, but you must submit only one artwork per post. Only one work per artist will be selected for the exhibition.

How to Apply?

To submit a work, you must do all of the following on a public Instagram account:

  1. Post the painting you wish to enter.
  2. Tag @wellhunguk in your post.
  3. Add the hashtag #WHpaintingprize.
  4. Follow @wellhunguk.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 23:59.
  • Exhibition Dates: July 9 – August 23, 2026.

Location:

Well Hung Gallery (Hoxton Street, London, UK).

Contact Information:

Instagram: @wellhunguk

Website: https://wellhung.co.uk/2026/03/paintingprize/