The prestigious Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) competition has officially opened its call for entries, inviting artists from across the globe to participate. Now in its established run since 2012, WAC provides a remarkable platform for showcasing innovative contemporary visual art across all genres and mediums. A defining feature of Wells Art Contemporary 2025 is its unique exhibition venue: the magnificent Wells Cathedral in Somerset, UK. This historic Gothic setting offers an inspiring backdrop, attracting thousands of visitors and providing selected artists with unparalleled exposure. The competition is open internationally to artists over 18, offering a chance to gain recognition and compete for a diverse range of prizes, including cash awards, residencies, and mentoring opportunities.
Wells Art Contemporary 2025 welcomes submissions without a specific thematic constraint, focusing instead on the quality and innovation of contemporary visual art. Artists can participate through two distinct routes: submitting work for the ‘Gallery Show’, a purpose-built white-wall space within the Cathedral cloisters; or proposing ‘Site-Specific Installations’ designed to interact directly with the Cathedral’s interior architecture or exterior grounds. This dual approach allows for both traditional gallery presentations and more ambitious, context-specific interventions. The selection process for WAC 2025 is undertaken by a panel of distinguished artists and curators, ensuring a high standard of curatorial rigor.
The prize package for Wells Art Contemporary 2025 includes the significant Howden Art Award of £2,000 cash. Other notable awards feature the NG Art Creative Residency, offering a two-week placement with board, lodging, and mentorship, cash prizes for Somerset-based artists and students, and materials awards. The submission deadline for WAC 2025 is July 8th, 2025. Entry requires an online application and a fee of £20 per artwork (£12 for eligible students), with artists permitted to submit up to four works. For those seeking high-profile exhibition opportunities among the top photography competitions, WAC 2025 presents a compelling platform—particularly for artists interested in showcasing their work within an iconic architectural setting.
The Wells Art Contemporary 2025 Prizes
WAC 2025 offers a diverse range of awards designed to support artists at different stages of their careers. The prizes combine financial rewards with professional development opportunities, making them highly valuable for emerging and established artists alike.
- Howden Art Award – £2,000 for one outstanding artist.
- NG Art Creative Residency – A two-week residency in Provence, including accommodation, studio space, and mentorship.
- Jane Bowe Memorial Prize – £500 awarded to a Somerset-based artist.
- The Grace Student Prize – £250 for a current fine art student under 26.
- Parker Harris Mentoring Prize – A one-to-one professional development session.
- Somerset Art Works Mentoring Prize – Additional career guidance for a selected artist.
- St Cuthberts Mill Award – 20 sheets of premium watercolor paper (worth £120).
- People’s Choice Prize – £500 awarded based on public votes.
These prizes not only provide financial support but also offer networking and growth opportunities, making WAC a standout among photography challenge prizes and rewards.
The Categories of Wells Art Contemporary 2025
WAC 2025 does not divide submissions into traditional categories. Instead, it welcomes all forms of visual art, provided they align with the competition’s emphasis on innovation and conceptual depth.
Artists may submit:
- Gallery works (max dimensions: 3.5m x 2.5m x 2m) for display in the cathedral’s cloisters.
- Site-specific installations designed to engage with Wells Cathedral’s architecture.
This open structure allows for creative freedom, encouraging experimental and interdisciplinary approaches.
Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) Dates and Entry Fees
Artists planning to enter Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) must be mindful of the competition timeline and the associated entry fees. The schedule is tight due to the Cathedral’s event calendar.
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submissions Deadline | Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (5:00 PM UK time) |
| Selected Artists Notified | Thursday, August 7, 2025 |
| Delivery to London Storage (Optional – Art Moves) | Sept 22-27, 2025 (Courier/Specific drop-off days) |
| Direct Delivery to Wells Cathedral | Sunday, Sept 28 OR Monday, Sept 29, 2025 (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM) |
| Private View | Thursday, October 9, 2025 (7:00 PM) |
| Exhibition Open to Public | Wednesday, Oct 8 – Saturday, Nov 1, 2025 |
| Collection from Wells Cathedral | Sunday, Nov 2 OR Monday, Nov 3, 2025 (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) |
| Collection from London Storage (Art Moves) | Thursday, Nov 6 OR Saturday, Nov 8, 2025 (12 noon – 3 PM) |
Entry Fees for WAC 2025:
- Standard Entry: £20 per artwork submitted.
- Student Entry: £12 per artwork submitted (Eligibility: current fine art students aged under 26 enrolled on a recognised Bachelor or Masters Fine Arts course; proof required).
Artists may submit up to a maximum of four (4) artworks. Payment is made during the online submission process. Fees are non-refundable.
How to Enter
- Complete the online submission form.
- Upload images (max 5MB each) with details on medium, dimensions, and pricing.
- Pay the entry fee via secure payment.
About the Jury
The selection panel for the Gallery Show section of Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) comprises distinguished artists with considerable experience and recognition in the contemporary art world:
- David Ferry RE: Collagist, Printmaker, Emeritus Professor, President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE), with work in major international collections (MoMA, V&A, etc.).
- Habib Hajallie: Elected member of The Royal Society of British Artists, Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, winner of UK New Artist of The Year 2022, known for intricate ballpoint pen portraits exploring identity and heritage.
- Charlotte Hodes: Professor of Fine Art at London College of Fashion (UAL), known for work crossing fine and decorative arts using papercut and ceramics, winner of the Jerwood Drawing Prize, with extensive exhibition history.
This panel will review the digital submissions anonymously to select works for the gallery exhibition based on innovation and artistic quality.
Why Enter Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025)?
Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) offers artists a distinctive and prestigious platform. The primary draw is the opportunity to exhibit within the historic and highly visited Wells Cathedral, providing a unique context and significant audience exposure unlike typical gallery shows. The competition’s international scope and openness to all mediums make it accessible to a wide range of contemporary artists, including photographers.
The prize package is diverse, offering not only a substantial cash award (over £3,000) but also highly valuable opportunities like the NG Art Creative Residency in France and professional mentoring sessions, which can be pivotal for career development. The involvement of respected selectors adds credibility to the selection process. WAC 2025 presents a unique chance to showcase their talent on an international stage within an inspiring architectural gem.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Wells Art Contemporary 2025 (WAC 2025) has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
The Wells Art Contemporary 2025 competition is open to artists worldwide aged 18+ as of Jan 1, 2025. Submissions (up to 4 works) are accepted across all mediums, excluding AI-generated work. Digital submissions are required via the online portal by July 8, 2025. Entry fees are £20/work (standard) or £12/work (eligible students U26). Works must adhere to size limitations (Gallery: max 3.5m W x 2.5m H x 2m D). Video artists must supply display equipment. Copies or copyright-infringing works are inadmissible, as are works deemed unsafe or likely to breach UK laws/Cathedral guidelines. Selected artists are responsible for delivery/collection costs and transit insurance. Works can be for sale (45% + VAT commission applies). Delivery and collection dates are strict.
Copyright
Artists retain full copyright of their work submitted to Wells Art Contemporary 2025. By entering, artists confirm they hold all intellectual property rights and necessary third-party permissions. Entrants grant WAC the right to photograph and reproduce selected works for promotional purposes related to the exhibition (including catalogue, press, publicity, social media, website) across all territories. WAC will always credit the artist. Copyright inquiries received by WAC will be referred to the artist.
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For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
