Organizer Information
The Write on Art programme is a national creative writing initiative jointly organised by Art UK and the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art (PMC). Both institutions are leading organisations in the UK dedicated to expanding access to visual culture, art history, and public engagement with British art.
Art UK operates as a major digital platform showcasing artworks from public collections across the United Kingdom, while the Paul Mellon Centre is a research and grant-giving institution focused on British art and architectural history. Together, they deliver this educational programme to encourage young people to engage critically and creatively with artworks through writing.
The initiative aims to develop visual literacy, critical thinking, and expressive writing skills among young participants by connecting them directly with artworks available on the Art UK platform.
Title & Description
Write on Art – National Creative Writing Programme for Young People
Write on Art is a national Writing and Creative Writing programme designed for young people aged 13–19. Participants are invited to respond creatively and critically to artworks from the Art UK collection through essays, reviews, or other forms of writing.
The programme encourages participants to select a single artwork from the Art UK website and produce an original written response that reflects personal interpretation, critical thinking, and engagement with visual culture. The initiative is designed to strengthen connections between Visual Arts and writing practice, helping young participants develop both analytical and expressive skills.
Entries are assessed based on originality, engagement with the chosen artwork, and clarity of written expression. The programme also provides structured support materials, including guides for writing reviews, essays, and creative responses, alongside educational resources designed to help participants develop their ideas.
Winners may have their work published across Art UK and Paul Mellon Centre platforms, offering significant visibility within the UK’s cultural and educational sectors. Selected participants also receive monetary prizes awarded to individuals or educational institutions.
Categories
- Writing
- Creative Writing
- Art Writing
- Visual Arts
- Essay
- Nonfiction
- Education
Eligibility
This Writing programme is open to:
- Young people aged 13–19 years old
- Applicants currently living in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands
- Individuals applying through schools, colleges, or as homeschooled students
Additional requirements:
- Each submission must be supported by a responsible adult (teacher, parent, guardian, or youth worker)
- Entries must be original and written by the applicant
- Applicants must select an artwork exclusively from the Art UK website
Program Benefits & Awards
- Monetary prizes awarded to individuals or educational institutions
- Publication opportunities on Art UK and Paul Mellon Centre platforms
- National recognition through a curated judging process
- Educational support materials and writing resources
- Development of critical writing and visual analysis skills
- Access to institutional visibility within UK cultural education networks
Winning entries are also shared via websites, newsletters, and social media channels of both organisations.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A written piece (creative writing, essay, or review) responding to a selected artwork from Art UK
- Completed official submission form (individual or school-based)
- Supporting Adult Form signed by a responsible adult
- Compliance with word count guidelines
- Submission via designated portal or email depending on applicant type
All submissions must be original and not exceed eligibility or formatting rules.
How to Apply?
You will then need to submit all entries by email to learning@paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk using the subject line "Write on Art 2026".
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 21 July 2026
- Prize distribution: Autumn 2026 (following selection)
Location
United Kingdom
Additional Details
Participants must select artworks exclusively from the Art UK database; submissions based on external artworks are not eligible. The programme emphasizes ethical authorship, originality, and educational value.
Entries are evaluated by a judging panel, and all decisions are final. Shortlisted and winning participants may be featured in public communications, including publications, digital platforms, and institutional archives.
The programme also includes safeguarding and data protection measures, ensuring safe participation for minors. A responsible adult is required to validate each submission.