Guildford House Gallery invites artists to submit work for the second edition of its art prize – and the winning artist will receive a £1,000 cash prize plus a solo exhibition.
Up to 100 works will be selected for a group exhibition at this historic Grade I listed gallery in the heart of Surrey. With no set theme, the aim is to present the best contemporary art – whether 2D or 3D – across a range of media.
Open to UK-based artists aged 18 and over.
Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026, 5pm.
About Guildford House Gallery
Guildford House is a historic Grade I listed building dating from 1660, situated in the centre of Guildford, Surrey. The gallery hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions showcasing contemporary art, craft and design alongside the borough’s art collection.
This is the second edition of the Guildford House Gallery Art Prize – building on the success of the inaugural competition to establish a significant new platform for UK artists.
Who Can Enter?
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | UK residents only (no international applications) |
| Age | 18 and over |
| Career stage | All stages |
| Maximum entries | Up to 4 works |
| Theme | No set theme – any subject matter welcome |
| Sale requirement | All works must be for sale |
| AI-generated work | Not accepted (see rules and guidelines) |
Work Requirements
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2D max dimensions | 2.4m on the longest side |
| 3D max dimensions | 50cm on the longest side |
| Maximum weight | 18kg |
| Age of work | Made within the last 3 years |
| Mediums | All welcome – painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, moving image, textile, prints, mixed media |
| Digital prints / collaborative works | Accepted (see rules and guidelines) |
| Giclée reproductions | Not accepted |
| Originality | Artist must hold all rights to the work |
Entry Fees
| Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| First artwork | £15 |
| Each additional artwork (up to 4 total) | £10 |
Payment does NOT mean your application is complete. You must upload an image of your work(s) to complete your application.
The Prizes
| Prize | Award |
|---|---|
| Winner | £1,000 cash + Solo Exhibition at Guildford House Gallery |
| Printmaking Today Prize | Editorial feature in Printmaking Today magazine |
| People’s Choice Award | £500 (awarded by popular vote at the end of the exhibition) |
The Judges
| Judge | Background |
|---|---|
| Natasha Michaels | Studied communication design at Central St Martins and RCA; work in museum collections including V&A, Pallant House, Holburne Museum |
| Jane Ponsford | One of only a few artist-papermakers in the UK; exhibits widely (Oriel Myrddin, Make, Hauser & Wirth, Ruthin, Gallery 57) |
| Richard McVetis | (b.1983 South Africa) Studied at Manchester School of Art and RCA; Interim Co-Head of Programme of MA Textiles at RCA; practice explores time, process and material through textiles and drawing |
| EVEWRIGHT | British multi-disciplinary artist of Jamaican parentage; work reclaims public spaces for Black British narratives through drawing, sculpture, digital film and live installation |
| Leonie Bradley | Artist; Editor of Printmaking Today; member of Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers; expanded printmaking practice includes installation, animation and artist’s books |
If You Are Selected
Delivery:
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Works delivered unwrapped with forms and labels
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Labels attached to the back of picture frames and bottom of sculptures
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Delivery dates: 5–7 November 2026, 10am–4pm
Insurance:
Artists are responsible for insuring their own work. All works accepted for exhibition are displayed entirely at the artists’ risk. Organisers and the gallery accept no liability for loss or damage during the exhibition.
Sales:
All works must be for sale. Exhibition material is compiled from your digital submission – complete it accurately.
Key Dates
| Online submission deadline | Wednesday 30 September 2026, 5pm |
|---|---|
| Results released | 16 October 2026 |
| Delivery of selected work | 5–7 November 2026, 10am–4pm |
| Exhibition open to public | 21 November 2026 – 27 February 2027 |
| Private View | 26 November 2026 |
| Collection of work | TBC |
How to Apply
To enter this opportunity, you will need:
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Register and complete the online application form
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An image of your work (JPEG, jpg, PNG – max 5MB)
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Details of your work: Title, Dimensions, Medium, Price
Steps:
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Go to online entry and complete the entry form
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Pay your submission fee
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Upload an image of your work(s)
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You may edit your entry up until the deadline
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After the deadline (5pm on 30 September), your entry will be automatically recorded as shown
Why Enter?
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Solo exhibition at Guildford House Gallery – a significant career opportunity for the winner
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£1,000 cash prize – meaningful financial recognition
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No set theme – complete creative freedom
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Historic venue – Grade I listed building dating from 1660
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Up to 100 works selected – strong chance of exhibition
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People’s Choice Award – £500 determined by public vote
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Printmaking Today feature – additional exposure for the Printmaking Today Prize winner
Final Checklist
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Are you a UK resident aged 18 or over?
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Is your work original (no AI, no giclée reproductions)?
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Was it made in the last 3 years?
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Is it for sale?
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Does it fit within the size limits (2D: 2.4m / 3D: 50cm)?
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Is it under 18kg?
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Have you paid the correct entry fee (£15 first work / £10 each additional)?
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Have you uploaded your image(s) – payment alone does not complete your application?
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Can you deliver selected work to Guildford between 5–7 November 2026?
Guildford House Gallery Art Prize 2026 – Second Edition
£1,000 + Solo Exhibition | People’s Choice Award £500 | Printmaking Today Prize
Exhibition: 21 November 2026 – 27 February 2027
Open to UK-based artists | No set theme | All mediums welcome
Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026, 5pm
Enter Now via the ArtOpps Online Portal HERE
Guildford House Gallery – a Grade I listed historic building in the heart of Guildford, presenting the best in contemporary art, craft and design.
