Entering art prizes? Let’s make them work for you! | Visual Arts Association

We know how exciting, and often overwhelming, it can feel to submit your work to art prizes. You invest time, money, and emotional energy, hoping that this one might open doors. But what many artists aren’t told is that entering a prize is only the first step. What really matters is how you use the opportunity to build visibility, credibility, and long-term moment.

The good news? With the right approach, art prize platforms can become powerful tools for exposure – even if you don’t win.

On Wednesday 11th February, from 1PM GMT, we’re hosting a focused online session; From Entry to Exposure: Making the Most of Art Prize Platforms.

This practical session is designed to help visual artists move beyond simply entering competitions, and instead use them strategically to strengthen their careers.

During this session, you’ll:

• Learn how to choose the right prizes for your practice
• Understand what selectors and judges are really looking for
• Discover how to leverage longlists, shortlists, and entries for visibility
• Learn how to communicate prize involvement to galleries, collectors, and curators
• Gain practical tips to turn entries into lasting professional opportunities

We’ll be joined by industry experts who understand how art prizes function behind the scenes, sharing insights to help you approach them with clarity, confidence, and intention – without burnout or unrealistic expectations.

💡 Insight to consider:
Winning isn’t the only measure of success. Artists who consistently build careers through prizes are often those who know how to use the platform, before, during, and after the process.

To get you thinking ahead of the session, here are a few quick insights:

• Be strategic, not scattered. Target prizes aligned with your medium, values, and career stage.
• Think beyond the result. Even an entry can support your CV, funding applications, and outreach.
• Follow up professionally. Visibility often comes from what you do after the announcement.

If you’ve entered an art prize recently, we’d love to hear how you approached it and what you learned – feel free to email us at hello@visual-artists.org. Your experience could be invaluable to other artists in our community.

This session is designed to leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to approach art prizes with a clearer strategy; not just hope.

📅 Save the date: Wednesday 11th February, 1PM (UK Time)
👉 Book your place here