Bath Open Art Prize 2026
submission Deadline: Sun 13 September 2026
Who can apply?
Organised by Fringe Arts Bath, this open call welcomes all Visual Artists, at any stage of their career, from across the globe.
Now in its 14th year, the Bath Open Art Prize accepts submissions across all genres and mediums; including video, painting, photography, textile, digital, print and 3D. Small installations and performance are also considered.
An exhibition of works selected by 2026 judges Simbah Pilé and Jemma Hickman takes place at 44AD artspace in Bath, UK from 16 to 31 October 2026.
Why the submission fees?
Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers. Your entry fees not only cover production of the Bath Open Art Prize exhibition, they also help fund FaB's annual visual arts festival and keep it free and accessible for visitors to enjoy.
Submission fees:
For 1 artwork the fee is £22
For up to 3 artworks the fee is £33
Meet the Judges:
Simbah Pilé, Artist
Simbah Pilé is an award winning, multi-disciplinary Barbadian visual artist based in the city of Bath. Through her creative practice, she examines the relationship between botany, colonialism and identity. Utilising a process of research and material exploration, she collages sourced imagery with drawn and painted elements to create artworks that speak to how the complex nature of history and science impact identity.
Simbah Pilé has exhibited across Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, and was selected for the 44AD artspace 'Solo Exhibition Opportunity' for her work featured in the Bath Open Art Prize 2025.
Simbah brings the eye of a practising artist to this judging role, someone who knows first-hand the research, risk and rigour behind a finished piece, and who will judge with that same depth of attention.
Jemma Hickman, Gallerist and Curator
Jemma Hickman founded Bo Lee Gallery in Bath in 2009, aged just 25, and has spent nearly two decades building in into one of the South West's most distinctive contemporary art spaces, now based in Bruton.
Working together with Artists to form a genuine trusting connection from first studio visit through to international art fairs, Jemma has spent her career championing artists at the very start of their journey. She is also Co-Founder of Odette, a Somerset network for women in the creative industries.
Jemma brings the perspective of someone who has spent twenty years backing artists from the other side of the gallery wall to her judging role, spotting talent early and giving it room to grow.
boleegallery.com
insta @boleegallery
insta @jemma.hickman
Prizes and Opportunities for 2026:
Selected works will be exhibited at 44AD artspace in central Bath, UK, from Fri 16 to Sat 31 October 2026.
1st Prize: £750 cash sponsored by us, Fringe Arts Bath.
2nd Prize: £250 cash sponsored by The Bell Inn.
People's Choice: £50 art vouchers, sponsored by Minerva Arts Supplies
Solo Exhibition Opportunity provided by 44AD artspace: an exhibition in 44AD artspace's basement gallery.
Huge thanks to our sponsors for the prizes, and all your help:
Important dates for The Bath Open Art Prize 2026:
Sun 13 Sept 2026 at midnight
Submission deadline
Sun 27 Sept
Artists selected for the exhibition will be informed
Sun 11 & Mon 12 Oct
Accepted works to be delivered to venue
Thurs 16 - 31 Oct
Exhibition dates for
The Bath Open Art Prize 2026
Fri 16 Oct 6-8pm
Award winners announced at the
prize giving evening
Fri 30 Oct
Winner of the People’s Choice Award announced
Terms and Conditions: Bath Open Art Prize
Submission deadline : Sunday 13 Sept 2026 at 23h59
Submission of work:
The Bath Open Art Prize (BOAP) is open to all artists worldwide, of all ages, working across all disciplines.
All works submitted must be original works by the named artist.
All Artists will be told if they have been selected or not by the stated date.
The judges’ decisions are final.
We may be unable to display very large works, we will discuss this with you if needed.
Delivery and insurance:
The Artist is responsible for transportation of the works to and from the venue.
Packaging must be adequate and clearly labelled with name, address and contact.
Artwork delivered must be the one selected. Any other artworks will not be hung.
Artists are responsible for insuring their own works.
Fringe Arts Bath and the venue both have Public Liability Insurance.
Display:
All works must be delivered ready for hanging.
Unframed canvases can be hung on the stretcher.
Framed must be prepared with D-rings & string (ideally no mirror plates).
Videos - submit using a link. If selected please send the file.
All work to be labelled with Artists’ name, contact details, title, medium and price (if for sale).
Copyright:
Copyright remains the property of the Artist.
By submitting to the BOAP you agree that FaB may use representations of your work in promotion relating to the BOAP, both online and in print.
The artist will always be credited.
Please notify is in writing via bathopen@fringeartsbath.co.uk if you don’t want your work to be used for promo.
Sales:
Please provide prices for any works for sale.
A commission of 20% of all sales with be taken, to be split between the venue and Fringe Arts Bath.
Any work sold must stay in the exhibition until the show has closed.
FaB is a non-profit making organisation.
The BOAP is a fundraiser for FaB so any monies received beyond costs of producing the exhibition will go towards FaB projects, including FaB Festival.
Thank you for your support!