Oxfordshire Museum marks 60 years with celebration themed Open Art Competition
Artists are invited to get creative and share what ‘celebration’ means to them as part of the Oxfordshire Museum’s 2026 Open Art Competition, marking a milestone year for the Oxfordshire County Council run attraction.
Now entering its fourth year, the competition has already delivered three memorable exhibitions that have highlighted the breadth and quality of Oxfordshire’s artistic talent. In 2026, artists are encouraged to reflect on what celebration means to them - whether that’s a treasured personal milestone or a moment of communal joy.
The competition opens to entries on 1 February, with shortlisted works going on display at a special exhibition at the museum between 19 September and 11 October.
Councillor Cllr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “For some, celebrations are deeply personal – a birthday, passing an exam, a family reunion. For others, they’re shared: communities coming together to mark moments of joy.
“Our chosen theme, celebration, is inspired by a special milestone for us too, as The Oxfordshire Museum turns 60 this October. We can’t wait to see the many ways people choose to express their own celebrations.”
All forms of media are welcome, including painting, textiles, mixed media, photography and digital. To be eligible the artwork must have been created after the artist’s eleventh birthday, and the artist must be an Oxfordshire resident.
Winners will be selected by a panel of special guest judges and announced at a special preview event ahead of the public opening of the exhibition.
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