Aesthetica Art Prize 2026 – International Competition

The Aesthetica Art Prize 2026, now in its 20th year, is an international open‑call competition organised by Aesthetica Magazine. It welcomes submissions in any medium or theme, with a particular interest in works that reflect contemporary social, technological and ecological pressures. Entries are accepted from 1 December 2025 until 11 October 2026 (regular) and a late period 12‑18 October 2026 (late). The regular entry fee is £25, rising to £35 for late entries. Artists may submit up to two works per entry and can submit multiple entries. The competition offers a £10,000 cash prize for the Main Prize winner and a £1,000 prize for the Emerging Prize (students or recent graduates). Winners and shortlisted artists receive a group exhibition in a major public gallery in York, editorial coverage in Aesthetica Magazine and online, and a profile on the prize website. All entrants receive a profile on the website and ongoing support for their practice. Judging begins in winter 2026, with results announced in spring 2027 and the exhibition opening in autumn 2027. The competition is open to artists of any age, nationality, and discipline; the Emerging Prize is limited to students and graduates from the last three years.

Exhibition at a major public gallery, online publication

Open to all