The Drawing Year

At the top of our list is our full scholarship postgraduate-level course that offers up to thirty students the opportunity to focus on drawing from observation for a year. The Drawing Year has no tuition fees. In addition to a full scholarship, all students receive a free studio space.

Apply by: 2 April 2025

More info: The Drawing Year

John Moores Painting Prize

'Light Industry', Graham Crowley, 2023

The John Moores Painting Prize is open to final-year students, recent graduates, and artists who do not necessarily meet this criterion but believe they would benefit from the prize. The winning artist will receive £5,000 cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. Additional prizes include £2,500 worth of Winsor & Newton art materials, and a month-long residency in London, inclusive of travel and living expenses.

• Apply by: 24 March 2025
• More info: The John Moores Painting Prize

Almenara Art Prize

The Almenara Art Prize is an online international painting competition, offering €29,000 in cash awards in addition to other prizes. International drawers and painters of any age and level, and from across genres and mediums are encouraged to apply.

• Apply by: 30 June 2025
• More info: Almenara Art Prize

Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize

The Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize is dedicated to the evolving concept of self-representation in contemporary art. It celebrates artistic excellence in any medium. The winner will be exhibited at Southampton City Art Gallery and receive a £10,000 cash prize. Shortlisted entries will be displayed in a group exhibition.

• Apply 2 May 2025
• More info: The Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize

Scottish Landscape Awards

'Rising From The Cracks', Lorna Fraser, porcelain

Open to artists who were born, are living, or studying in Scotland. Artists may submit works in any medium, ranging from drawing, painting, and printmaking to installation, video, and performance. Artists are invited to submit works in any style so long as the work references a sense of place or context.

• Apply by: 24 February 2025
• More info: Scottish Landscape Awards

RBSA Drawing Prize

'French Blue Chair', Richard Baker

All drawing practices in any medium are welcome, from digital drawing, 3D works, and beyond. Professional and emerging artists are welcome to apply. Full prize details to be added to the RBSA in February 2025.

• Apply by: Call for entries open February 2025
• More info: RBSA Drawing Prize

Figurativas 2025

The Fundació Privada de les Arts i els Artistes hosts this figurative painting and sculpture prize, which seeks to promote contemporary figurative art. The competition offers several prizes, including €20,000 for first prize in painting, and €10,000 first prize in sculpture. All mediums and styles of painting and sculpture are accepted, ranging from graffiti and tempera to digital painting.

• Apply by: 14 March 2025
• More info: Figurativas 2025

De Reus Foundation Art Prize

The inaugural annual prize from the Cambridge based foundation and art gallery, supporting young artists aged 18-30 within the UK. First prize awarded £1,000, second prize £500. 2D drawings on paper and canvas are accepted in paint, drawing, or mixed media.

• Apply by: 30 March 2025
• More info: De Reus Foundation Art Prize

London Art Biennale Open Call 2025

Liz Isles Photography, Biennale 2023

The 7th edition of the London Art Biennale is calling for artists to participate in group exhibitions in London and Tuscany, with a £13,000 fund prize. Artists working in various mediums are invited to apply, ranging from painting, photography, digital art, installations, and sculpture.

• Apply by: 28 February 2025
• More info: London Art Biennale

Macmillan Prize for Illustration

The Macmillan Prize for illustration is awarded to an unpublished picture book. The prize is open to non-professional illustrators with the aim to support students stimulate new creative work and career progression.

• Apply by: 25 April 2025
• More info: Macmillan Prize for Illustration

Good luck with your applications!