New major art competition launched for Dorset artists

Dorset Visual Arts (DVA) and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery (DMAG) have joined forces to create the Dorset Arts Open.

The competition is open to all artists and makers, with entries being accepted from July 1 until September 5.

Finalists will have their work displayed in a professionally curated exhibition at DMAG from October 18 to November 30.

The competition welcomes submissions from all mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, mixed media and digital.

Artists are encouraged to submit work that captures the essence of Dorset’s landscape, people, history, or culture, or explores their relationship with the area.

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The Special Exhibition Space at the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. (Image: DM&AG) The competition also includes a prize category focusing on the climate and ecological emergency, acknowledging sustainable methods or subject matter that engages with environmental threats.

For full guidelines, visit dorsetvisualarts.org.

The prize categories include a first general category prize of £500, a second general category prize of £250, a young/emerging artist prize of £150, a climate emergency award of £150 and more.

Paul Newman, creative director of Dorset Visual Arts, said: “We’re thrilled to be working on this important and exciting new opportunity for the county’s cultural calendar, in a dynamic partnership with Dorset Museum and Art Gallery and supported by Dorchester Arts, Art in Hospitals and Evolver Magazine.

“We all believe in the value of art and design to inspire, uplift and educate and what better place to showcase a wealth of talent alongside the inspiring history and heritage of DMAG’s collection, celebrating the best of this region as a source of inspiration.”