Since 2012, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) has offered artists a unique opportunity: to showcase innovative visual art within one of the most breathtaking sacred spaces in the world.
The 2026 exhibition will run from 10 October to 7 November 2026 in Wells Cathedral – often described as “the most poetic of the English cathedrals” and the first Gothic cathedral in England. With its pale stone, ethereal light and soaring architecture, this magnificent space welcomes 18,000 monthly visitors and offers an inspiring welcome to all artists, regardless of creed.
There are two ways to participate – and the deadline for both is 30 June 2026.
Two Pathways to Exhibit
1. Exhibit in the Gallery
Selected artworks will be shown in a white-wall gallery specially built within the Cathedral cloisters. Work in any medium will be considered – including painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, video, digital, textile, and mixed media.
The WAC team handles the hanging and display of all gallery works.
2. Create a Site-Specific Installation
Artists are invited to propose installations for the Cathedral’s interior or grounds, creating work that directly engages with this extraordinary space. If selected, artists will install their own work.
Up to twenty artists will be offered the opportunity to create site-specific works responding to locations within the Cathedral.
The 2026 Theme for Installations: “Time”
“For what then is time? If no one asks me, I know; if I wish to explain it to one that asks, I know not.”
— St Augustine (354–430 AD)
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme of Time broadly to inspire their work. Proposals that work with the theme will be favoured.
A full list of 26 available installation sites is provided on the WAC website, with photos and measurements. Artists are strongly encouraged to visit the Cathedral in person.
Who Can Enter?
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | UK-based or international artists |
| Age | Over 18 by the deadline (30 June 2026) |
| Entry fee | £30 per work |
| Maximum entries | Up to 4 works |
Installation Proposal Requirements
Your initial submission must include:
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Which of the available sites you would like to use
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How your installation will respond to that specific site
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Outline how your work responds to the theme of Time
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An image, sketch/drawing or photo (max 5MB) of your proposed work/idea
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Up to 4 additional supporting images (at your discretion)
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Title, medium, and dimensions of the whole artwork
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Selling price (45% commission levied by WAC)
Important note for 2026: Installations can only be listed for sale as a whole. The listing and sale of individual pieces of an installation will not be allowed.
Financial Support
At the discretion of WAC, there may be some funds available to assist artists with the costs of getting their artworks to and from Wells Cathedral.
The 2026 Selectors
| Selector | Background |
|---|---|
| Laura Moffatt | Director of Art and Christianity; Editor of its quarterly journal; co-editor of ‘Contemporary Art in British Churches’ |
| Alice Kettle | Internationally renowned artist and leader in the field of textile arts; creates figurative stitched works from small to monumental |
The Prizes
| Prize | Award |
|---|---|
| Howden Art Award | £2,000 awarded to one artist |
| NG Art Creative Residency* | Three-week free placement at NG Art Creative Residency in Provence (board, lodging, studio space, mentorship, outings) |
| People’s Choice Prize | £500 to the artwork receiving the most public votes |
| Jane Bowe Memorial Prize | £500 to a work by a Somerset artist (chosen by Martin Bowe) |
| Parker Harris Mentoring Prize* | One-to-one mentoring session on professional development |
| Somerset Art Works Mentoring Prize | One-to-one mentoring session on professional development |
| St Cuthberts Mill Award | 20 sheets of Saunders Waterford 300gsm (worth over £120) for an artist who works on paper |
*Tick the box on the Entry Form if you wish to be considered for these prizes.
Prizes will be awarded to either Gallery or Installation artworks, according to the decision of the selectors. There will also be a number of bursaries awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Critical Dates for Installation Artists
Installation artists must adhere strictly to the Cathedral’s schedule. There is no flexibility on these dates.
| Activity | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Submissions deadline | Tuesday 30 June 2026, 5pm |
| Artists notified of decision | By Saturday 1 August 2026 |
| Delivery & erection of installations | Thursday 1 – Wednesday 7 October 2026 (limited availability Sunday 4 October) |
| Private View | Friday 9 October 2026, 7pm |
| Exhibition open to public | Saturday 10 October – Saturday 7 November 2026 |
| Removal of installations (strict) | Monday 9 November or Tuesday 10 November 2026 |
Installation artists are reminded that all work must be removed from the Cathedral strictly on the take-down dates shown above.
Important Notes for Installation Artists
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Responsibility: Artists (and any assistants they bring) are responsible for completing the installation and take-down of their own work. The WAC team will be available to advise on access.
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Insurance: Artists are responsible for insuring their work while on display.
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Supervision: Individual installations will not be directly supervised by WAC stewards during the show.
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Cathedral events: Wells Cathedral has other events before and after WAC. The set-up and take-down schedule is tight – hence the strict dates.
Gallery Artists: Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Submissions deadline | 30 June 2026, 5pm |
| Notification of decision | By 1 August 2026 |
| Delivery of gallery works | (See Rules & Guidelines for specific dates) |
| Exhibition open | 10 October – 7 November 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 Wells Art Contemporary website.
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Read the Rules and Guidelines carefully before entering.
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Pay the entry fee (£30 per work; up to 4 works).
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For installation proposals: submit site selection, response to theme, sketches/images, dimensions, and price.
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If you enter fewer works but wish to add more before the deadline, log in and click Add Entry.
All entrants will be asked to confirm acceptance of the Rules and Guidelines during the online entry process.
Why Enter WAC?
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Unrivalled venue: Wells Cathedral is a world-famous architectural masterpiece – exhibiting here is a CV landmark
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High footfall: 18,000 monthly visitors, including collectors, curators and art lovers
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Two distinct opportunities: Traditional gallery exhibition OR ambitious site-specific installation
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Generous prizes: Cash awards, international residencies, mentoring, and materials
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International reach: Open to artists worldwide
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Thoughtful theme: ‘Time’ invites deep, meaningful responses
Final Checklist for Installation Applicants
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Have you read the Rules and Guidelines?
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Have you chosen your preferred site(s) from the 26 available?
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Have you visited the Cathedral in person (if possible)?
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Does your proposal clearly respond to both the site and the theme of Time?
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Have you included a sketch or image of your proposed work?
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Have you specified dimensions and selling price (45% commission)?
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Are you available for installation strictly between 1–7 October 2026?
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Are you available for removal strictly on 9 or 10 November 2026?
Wells Art Contemporary 2026
International competition | Gallery exhibition + Site-specific installations
Venue: Wells Cathedral, Somerset, UK
Exhibition: 10 October – 7 November 2026
Deadline: Tuesday 30 June 2026, 5pm
Entry fee: £30 per work (up to 4 works)
Enter Now via the ArtOpps Online Portal HERE
Wells Art Contemporary – showcasing innovative visual art in “the most poetic of the English cathedrals” since 2012. Open to artists worldwide, regardless of creed.
