Young Artist Awards 2026

Ready to take the next step in your creative journey?

The Buckinghamshire Arts Society has a long history of supporting young artists as you take your next step forward. Whether you’re a student wanting to make an application to art college or university, or are just looking for a way to show the world some of your art, these awards are for you. As well as giving you a chance to display your work and win a cash prize, we want to support young talent as you set out on the next stage of your artistic journey. Each year, we host this competition in conjunction with local schools and colleges to inspire future talent like yours.

So what’s in it for you? Well, first, a chance of winning one of three prizes:

• First Prize: £200 cash

• Second Prize: £100 cash

• Third Prize: £50 cash

What’s more, the three winning works and other “highly commended” pieces will be exhibited at an Autumn Exhibition organised by the Bucks Art Society. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show your work in the wider community. And all submitted images will also be featured on this website.

How to enter

We will accept 2D and 3D work suitable for display.  All original work is welcome, including paintings, drawings, handmade prints, mixed media, digital approaches and sculptural items, but no purely photographic work. Work generated by AI will not be considered.

Email bucksartyaa@gmail.com for more information.

Competition rules

1. You must be aged between 16 and 20 years by the time of the closing date and living or studying in Buckinghamshire, UK.

2. You must submit your work by the closing date: Friday, 9th October 2026, 5 PM.

3. Work generated by AI will not be considered.

4. You can only submit one piece of work.

5. You’ll need to supply your name, contact details and a title for your artwork, as well as details of the medium and dimensions of the artwork.

6. You understand that a panel of BAS members will make a shortlist of entries based on their assessment of artistic merit.

7. You agree, if your work is shortlisted, to deliver it to the Young Artist Exhibition organised by the BAS.

8. You understand that a panel of BAS members will then select the finalists at the exhibition based on their assessment of artistic merit.

9. You (or your parent, guardian or authorised teacher if you are under 18) agree(s) that Bucks Art Society may publish your name and school/college along with your artwork on this website and on social media and/or media outlets as a way of raising awareness of both your artistic endeavour and the competition.