Tips for Applying to Art Competitions as an Emerging Artist

Participating in art competitions is an excellent way to grow as an artist and advance in your art career. Art competitions are a great way to get your work out and prove to yourself and others that you take your art seriously. They can help an emerging artist in many ways, from gaining visibility in the art industry to getting into exhibitions and building confidence in yourself and your practice. Most competitions feature runners-up, honorable mentions, or recently submitted works on their websites and social media pages, so even if you don’t win, simply participating can help you promote your art.

Applying to art competitions can be daunting at times. However, it is okay to feel nervous and unsure of what to do the first time you apply as an emerging artist. It is also okay to know that not all art competitions are for you, even if it looks like you have everything required to apply. 

Each competitions have unique rules but here are some general tips for applying to art competitions.

1. Research: After you have researched open competitions that will fit your current artistic style and medium, do more research on the theme of the competitions. Of course, competitions can be highly competitive and as an emerging artist, researching the theme of the competition will make your application a bit easier. The theme of the competition will give you an insight into the minds of the organizing team. Unless the competition specifies that the theme can be interpreted in any style and medium of the artist’s choice, it is advisable to follow the guidelines. If your current body of work can respond to the theme of the competition, good! If not, you can move on to the next. 

2. Before applying, read and follow the competition’s guidelines and requirements: Open art competitions almost always have their guidelines on their website and social media pages. Like the theme of the competition, the guidelines will give you an idea of what the judging team will look out for in your entry. It is important to confirm that you’re eligible and meet the other criteria. If anything is unclear or you have any questions, you can always contact the organizers. Some competitions have very strict requirements and entries that don’t follow the rules might be disqualified. 

3. Prepare your application materials: Your application materials might include a resume, your entry, and a supporting statement. Once you have determined the deadline, take your time with your materials. Your resume should highlight your art career and it should include a brief and engaging biography. Your attached entry is very important. After you have confirmed that your current body of work fits the theme of the competition, ensure you submit only high-quality images of your works. Your supporting statement is a way to tell the judges about who you are as a person and as an artist. You can describe your artistic process as well. Just remember that short and sweet is the way to go. 

4. Now, it is time to review and submit. Good luck!

To get you started, here is a short list of annual art competitions you should check out:

• Cap Prize 2024
• Black Rock Senegal Residency
• Art X Prize
• Noldor Residency
• Prince Claus Fund – Mentorship Award Moving Narratives
• Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize 
• Kuenyehia Prize For Contemporary Art