Skyway Open Art
Competition 2026

1. About the Competition

Skyway Open Art Competition welcomes artists of all ages & abilities from Adur, Worthing, Hove, Brighton and the surrounding areas.

Skyway Open 2026 is designed to encourage and showcase new and existing artistic talent from across all areas of community, age and ability. Entrants can submit artwork through our online portal, with selected and shortlisted works exhibited during the Skyway Anniversary Exhibition in September 2026.

2. Key Dates

    

   Stage	Date
   Competition Opens	Monday 8th June 2026
   Submission Deadline	Sunday 9th August 2026
   Shortlist Announced	Sunday 23rd August 2026
   Awards Announced	Friday 18th September 2026
   Anniversary Exhibition Opens	Monday 21st September 2026
   Awards Event & Private View	Thursday 24th September 2026

   Skyway Gallery reserves the right to amend dates where necessary

3. Eligibility

3.1 Geographic Eligibility

The competition is open to:

• Residents of Adur, Worthing, Hove, Brighton and the surrounding areas.
• Individual artists

3.2 Age Categories

Entries are accepted in the following categories:

Under 18 Categories

• Primary School (ages 5–11 yrs old)
• Secondary School / College (ages 12–17 yrs old)
  Entrants under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent, guardian, teacher, or responsible adult.
  

Adult Category

• Open Category – over 18 yrs old

4. Entry Fees

Under 18 yrs old

• FREE entry

Over 18 yrs old

• £10 per artwork submission
• Maximum of 4 submissions per artist

Entry fees are non-refundable.

5. Artwork Requirements

5.1 Accepted Media

The competition accepts original analogue visual artwork including:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Printmaking
• Mixed Media
• Textile Art
• Illustration
• Collage

Skyway Gallery reserves the right to reject work considered unsuitable for display.

5.2 Originality

All submitted works must:

• Be the original work of the entrant
• Not infringe copyright or intellectual property rights
• Not be generated by artificial intelligence
• Have been completed within the last 3 years

5.3 Size Restrictions

Maximum artwork size:

• 100cm x 100cm including frame

5.4 Presentation Standards for shortlisted artworks

Shortlisted artworks must:

• Be framed
• Be dry and exhibition-ready
• Include suitable hanging fixtures (D Rings)
• Be clearly labelled on the reverse with artists name and work title

Skyway Gallery may refuse work that is unsafe or unsuitable for installation.

6. Submission Process

6.1 Digital Submission

All entries must initially be submitted digitally through the official submission portal.

Artists will be required to provide:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Artwork title
• Medium
• Dimensions
• Year completed
• Optional artwork statement
• Digital image upload

6.2 Image Quality

Uploaded images should:

• Accurately represent the artwork
• Be clear and in focus
• Be submitted in JPEG or PNG format
• Not include watermarks or excessive digital editing

7. Selection & Judging

7.1 Judging Panel

The judging panel will include:

• Professional artists
• Designers
• Arts practitioners

7.2 Judging Criteria

Works will be judged on:

• Creativity and originality
• Technical ability
• Visual impact
• Concept and communication
• Suitability for exhibition

Judging decisions are final.

8. Shortlisting & Exhibition

8.1 Shortlisted Artists

Shortlisted artists will be contacted directly using the details provided during submission.

8.2 Delivery of Shortlisted Work

Selected shortlisted artists will be responsible for delivering and collecting their work within the dates specified by Skyway Gallery.

Skyway Gallery cannot provide storage outside (before or after) collection dates.

8.3 Exhibition Inclusion

Shortlisted artworks will be exhibited as part of the Skyway Gallery 10-Year Anniversary Exhibition.

Skyway Gallery reserves the right to determine:

• Exhibition layout
• Placement of artworks
• Number of exhibited works

9. Awards

   Over 18s 1st prize	£500.00 Art Materials
   Over 18s 2nd prize	£150.00 Art Materials
   Over 18s 3rd prize	Seawhites Art Materials Prize
   12 -17 yrs (Secondary school age) 1st prize	£60.00 Art Materials
   12 -17 yrs (Secondary school age) 2nd prize	£30.00 Art Materials
   12 -17 yrs (Secondary school age) 3rd prize	Seawhites Art Materials Prize
   5 – 11 yrs (Primary school age) 1st prize	£60.00 Art Materials
   5 – 11 yrs (Primary school age) 2nd prize	£30.00 Art Materials
   5 – 11 yrs (Primary school age) 3rd prize	Seawhites Art Materials Gift Set

10. Sales & Commission

Shortlisted Artists may choose to offer their exhibited work for sale.

If sold during the exhibition:

• Skyway Gallery will retain a 20% commission

Artists are responsible for ensuring sale prices include VAT where applicable.

12. Copyright & Promotion

Artists retain copyright of their work.

By entering the competition, artists grant Skyway Gallery permission to:

• Reproduce submitted images for promotional purposes
• Use images online, in print, and across social media
• Publicise the competition and exhibition

Artists will be credited wherever reasonably possible.

13. Liability & Insurance

While every care will be taken, Skyway Gallery accepts no responsibility for:

• Loss
• Theft
• Damage
• Deterioration of artwork

Artists are advised to arrange their own insurance where necessary. Skyway Gallery or the Shoreham Centre do not insure artists artworks, this is the sole responsibility of the artists if they wish their work to be insured.

14. Behaviour & Content Standards

Skyway Gallery reserves the right to reject work that:

• Contains discriminatory or hateful content
• Is considered defamatory
• Promotes violence or illegal activity
• Is unsafe or inappropriate for a public gallery environment

15. Data Protection

Personal information submitted will only be used for:

• Administration of the competition
• Exhibition communication
• Marketing related to Skyway Gallery activities

Entrants may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

16. Acceptance of Terms

Submission to the Skyway Open Art Competition 2026 constitutes acceptance of these rules and terms.

Skyway Gallery reserves the right to amend these rules where necessary.