Thanks to the generosity of the main sponsors at The Port of Milford Haven, Wales Contemporary is back – and this year, it’s bigger, bolder and more inclusive than ever.
Now in its 6th annual edition, Wales Contemporary invites artists and makers from around the world to enter work in 2D or 3D, across all mediums and techniques. For the first time, the exhibition welcomes artists working in photography, film and animation.
With awards worth £6,000, plus solo exhibitions and mentoring, the focus remains on celebrating artists and artworks with a strong connection to Wales.
Deadline for online submissions: 29 June 2026, 5pm.
What Is Wales Contemporary?
Wales Contemporary is an annual international open exhibition that celebrates contemporary art and craft with a connection to Wales. The 2026 exhibition will open on 29 August 2026 at The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven – the home of Wales Contemporary – with the awards ceremony held at Sybil House, a flagship building of The Port of Milford Haven.
The exhibition promises to be:
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Bigger – more works, more spaces
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Better – refined presentation and professional standards
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More inclusive – now accepting photography, film and animation for the first time
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to all artists based in the UK or internationally. To be eligible, artists must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Born in Wales
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Living or working in Wales
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Making work responding to the landscape, heritage or culture of Wales
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Contributing to the arts in Wales – through exhibitions, gallery representation, community projects, or donations to arts organisations or charities
Artists under 18: Please use the dedicated under-18 application button on the website (not the main ArtOpps portal).
Artwork & Entry Specifications
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum entries per artist | Up to 3 works |
| Dimensions | No larger than 150cm in any direction |
| Medium | Any (2D or 3D) – including painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, print, photography, film, animation |
| AI-generated work | Must declare use of AI with an explanation |
| Age of work | Must have been made within the last 3 years |
| Sale | Optional – but commission is 35% if sold through the exhibition website |
| Framing | Strict neutral framing guidelines (see below) |
Entry Fees
| Number of works | Standard fee | Concessionary* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 work | £15 | £10 |
| 2 works | £25 | £15 |
| 3 works | £30 | £20 |
*Concessionary rate applies to those in full-time education.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
The 2026 Selection Panel
| Selector | Background |
|---|---|
| Tim Davies | Originally from Pembrokeshire; former leader of fine art at Swansea College of Art; awarded a personal professorship in 2012; lives and works in Swansea |
| Laura Thomas | Award-winning textile artist, designer and maker; first-class degree from Birmingham University; MA from RCA; specialises in unconventional textiles for contemporary spaces |
| Sarah Williams | Fine art graduate from Aberystwyth University; exhibits across Wales; practice explores Welsh myths, culture and environment through painting and place-based storytelling |
The Awards – Total Prize Fund £6,000+
| Award | Prize |
|---|---|
| Artists & Makers over 18 | Up to 3 artists awarded £1,000 each |
| Young Artist | Up to 5 awards worth £500 each |
| Recent Graduates | Up to 2 graduates receive £500 + solo exhibition + 3 mentoring sessions |
| The People’s Choice | 1 artist awarded £1,000 |
| The David Randell Award for an Artist in Education in Pembrokeshire | 1 artist awarded £500 |
This is a prize structure designed to reward excellence across career stages – from young artists and recent graduates to established practitioners.
Framing Requirements – Strictly Enforced
Wales Contemporary has strict framing guidelines to ensure a cohesive, professional presentation. Please read carefully.
Approved Framing Styles:
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Frames must be neutral: Black, White, or Natural Wood only
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No ornate, coloured, or metallic frames
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Mounts (mats): White or Off-White only
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Floating frames acceptable for oil paintings (neutral colours only)
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AG70 glass strongly recommended to avoid glare
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No cheap plastic frames
Hanging Requirements:
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Work must be fitted with mirror plates
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Frames must be sturdy enough to have mirror plates attached (or a suitable alternative hanging method)
If framing is not done to gallery standard, work may be refused for the final hang.
Delivery & Collection
| Activity | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Delivery of selected works | 24 & 25 August 2026, 10am–5pm at The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven |
| Packaging requirements | Reusable packing cases (no tape required for resealing); unframed drawings in cardboard tube with removable cap or sturdy portfolio case |
| Fragile works | Mark clearly; losses from ordinary handling not the gallery’s responsibility |
| Insurance | Strongly recommended (public liability not insisted upon but advised) |
| Collection of unsold works | 26 September after 4pm, then 27 September – 2 October, 10am–4pm |
Key Dates
| Online submission deadline | 29 June 2026, 5pm |
|---|---|
| Selection results | 25 July 2026 |
| Delivery of selected works | 24 & 25 August 2026 |
| Exhibition opens | 29 August – 26 September 2026 |
| Collection of unsold work | From 26 September (4pm) to 2 October 2026 |
How to Apply
Submission is by online entry only via the ArtOpps Online Portal.
Steps:
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Click ENTER NOW on the Wales Contemporary page.
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Complete all details and pay the entry fee.
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Once logged in, upload your artwork images.
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Provide post-payment registration details: dimensions, medium, framing, and a short statement about your work.
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You will also be asked about your relationship to Wales – be clear and specific.
Why Enter Wales Contemporary?
International reach with Welsh soul. Wales Contemporary is one of the few open exhibitions that actively seeks a global entry pool while maintaining a strong, specific cultural focus.
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Generous prize fund – £6,000+ across multiple categories
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Solo exhibitions for graduates – a genuine career stepping stone
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New media welcome – photography, film and animation accepted for the first time
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Prime venue – The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, supported by The Port of Milford Haven
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Inclusive ethos – welcoming artists from all nations who can demonstrate a meaningful connection to Wales
Final Checklist
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Do you meet at least one eligibility criterion (born in Wales / live or work in Wales / respond to Welsh culture / contribute to Welsh arts)?
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Is your work within 150cm in any direction?
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Was it made in the last 3 years?
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Have you declared any use of AI?
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Does your framing meet the neutral colour requirements (Black, White, Natural Wood)?
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Are your frames fitted with mirror plates?
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Can you deliver to Milford Haven on 24 or 25 August 2026?
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Can you collect unsold work between 26 September – 2 October 2026?
Wales Contemporary 2026 – 6th Annual Exhibition
£6,000+ in awards | Solo exhibitions | Mentoring
Exhibition: 29 August – 26 September 2026 at The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven
Deadline: 29 June 2026, 5pm
Enter Now via the ArtOpps Online Portal HERE
Wales Contemporary is made possible by the generous support of The Port of Milford Haven, our main sponsors. The exhibition celebrates artists and artworks with a strong connection to Wales – from anywhere in the world.
