Calling all artists: open art competition is back!

Aspiring artists throughout the county are being invited to participate in the Oxfordshire Museum's annual open art competition.

Now in its third year, the Oxfordshire County Council-run competition seeks to highlight the county’s finest creative minds, with this year’s theme being animals.

It is free to enter and is open to anybody living in Oxfordshire aged 11 and over.

This year also sees the introduction of a young artist’s award for the first time for residents aged 11 to 18.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: We know that Oxfordshire is full of creativity, and we want to show it off. This competition is an opportunity for everybody and anybody to share their talents.

“Animals are all around us in Oxfordshire at home, at work and in the wild, and the face of our animal companions is ever changing.

“We hope this year’s theme will provide inspiration for a range of responses and produce another moving and enjoyable exhibition showcasing our resident’s talents.”

The museum is particularly keen to encourage three dimensional entries, including sculptures, to the competition this year.

Submissions can be made online from 1 February. More details on how to enter will be made available on the Oxfordshire Museum’s website. Entries cannot be accepted from those living outside of the county.

Prizes will be judged by a panel of special guest judges, and the winners will be announced at a special preview party.

An exhibition displaying the shortlisted entries and winners will be open to the public at the museum from 27 September until 2 November.

Pictures show some of the previous winners of the competition

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