Jackson’s Art Prize FAQs

How do I enter Jackson’s Art Prize 2026?

Step one: Click this link to create an account with our competition platform, or sign in to your existing account

Step two: Ensure you have prepared the following:

• Good quality, tightly cropped photos of your artworks

• An Artist Biography to help us get to know you

• An Artist Statement to convey the ideas behind your submissions

• An Artwork Description to help the judges understand your practical process and technique

• The titles, dimensions, year, and mediums of each of your submitted artworks.

Step three: Complete the entry form, and repeat for each artwork entered. Make sure to opt-in to our newsletter if you wish to be emailed with your results

Step four: Checkout online to complete your entries.

Good luck!

When do submissions open?

Wednesday 12th November 2025

When do submissions close?

Wednesday 11th February 2026 at midday (12pm UK time) - extended to 13th February at midday

How much does it cost to enter?

£5 early bird entry | 12th November – 17th December

£6.50 standard entry | 18th December – 11th February

Our mission is to support artists by creating opportunities, celebrating their work, and fostering a thriving creative community. Jackson’s Art Prize operates without profit. Every entry fee goes directly toward covering running costs, the prize fund, and exhibitions.

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How do I get five entries for the price of four?

To get five entries for the price of four, submit five entries before the 11th February and the value of one entry will be automatically deducted from your order.

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I am a student - do you offer a student discount?

As a student, you are eligible for one free entry to Jackson’s Art Prize. To redeem the offer, sign up for a Jackson’s Student Account on Jackson’s Art Supplies, and you will receive a unique code to enter at the competition checkout. If you already have a Jackson’s Student Account, find your unique code in your inbox.

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How do I create an account?

Create an account with our awards platform here. Once you have entered your email you will receive a 6 digit security verification code to your email. Once entered on our awards platform you will have access to the registration form and can register for an account.
Your account for submission to Jackson’s Art Prize is separate to your Jackson’s Art store account.

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Can I use my account from a previous submission?

Yes, please login to your previously created account, where your information will be saved.

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I’m having problems creating an account, what shall I do?

First, check your spam/junk email for the verification code. If you are having difficulty with the registration form itself, please make sure that all mandatory fields have been entered correctly.

As a general recommendation we’d also advise clearing your cache/cookies on your web browser and attempting to access the page in a private/incognito window.

If after these points have been considered you are still encountering issues then please contact us on [email protected]

I’ve registered successfully, what now?

If you are registering and logging in before the entry period begins on the 12th November, there won’t be much to see or do. Once submission opens you’ll see the ‘Enter’ tab at the top of the screen which is where you will head towards to enter your artworks to the competition.
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I'd like to withdraw my entry from the competition. Am I entitled to a refund?

At any time prior to the deadline, entrants may request a refund for entries they no longer wish to submit. After submissions close on the 11th February, refunds are not eligible to be processed. Entrants may not request a refund because their work was not selected for the longlist, shortlist, or prizes.

​Can I enter a work, then another at a later date?

Yes, you may complete entries at any point during the submissions period, and they do not all have to be entered at once.

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What is an Artist Biography?

An artist biography is a short introduction about yourself and your practice.

Your artist biography should include key details about you and your practice, like where you are currently based, the mediums or media you work with, where and when you studied, or if you’re self-taught. You can also mention some of your notable achievements or exhibitions you’ve been part of.

It’s usually considered most professional to write your biography in the third person, using ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘they’, instead of ‘I’. If you are entering multiple works, you can use the same artist biography for every submission you enter.

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What is an Artist Statement?

An artist statement lays out the intentions and ideas behind your painting, drawing, or print.

The content of the statement will vary depending on what is important to the piece, but it could include the concepts that it explores, your inspiration, why the subject speaks to you, and how the work relates to larger narratives and ideas. An artwork statement is usually written in the first person, using ‘I’ instead of ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘they’

Let your own voice shine through, and avoid complicated art-speak unless it’s relevant. Remember that your work won’t be judged on your statement, it is simply a way for the judges to gain further insight into your practice.

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What is an Artwork Description?

Entries for Jackson’s Art Prize are submitted digitally, which means artists from across the world can enter, but judging a painting, drawing, or print virtually has certain limitations. An artwork description allows the judges to form a well-rounded picture of the physical aspects of an artwork.

Was your painting built up with glazes of paint thinned with a medium? Or perhaps thick impasto gestures laid on with a palette knife. Are there mixed media elements in your drawing, and if so how and where have they been integrated? What printmaking processes did you use, how many layers and colours are there? Think of it as telling a story of how the work came into being.

The artwork description is a helpful way for the judges to gain further insight into your practice and understand how you have used your materials. Please remember that you won’t be judged on the artwork description alone or on how complex your technique is.

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How long are submissions open for?

The entry period lasts 13 weeks from Wednesday 12th November 2025 to Wednesday 11th February 2026 at midday (12pm UK time).

Can I save the entry form and come back to it another time?

Yes, once you have signed in and started your entry, you can navigate to the bottom of the page and click 'Save and close.’
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To resume your entry, sign in to Award Force and click 'Enter' at the top of the page. Your drafted and submitted entries will be listed under 'My Entries.'

What if I miss the deadline?

Submissions close at 12pm UK time on Tuesday 11th February 2025. Entrants will not be able to login or submit their entries at any point after this. If you experienced difficulty submitting your entry at the last minute due to a fault with the website, please email [email protected]

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How do I know I’ve successfully submitted my artwork?

Once you have submitted payment for your artwork/s, you will see a message appear that says ‘Your submission to Jackson’s Art Prize 2026 is complete.’ You will also receive an email confirming that your submission has been successful.
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If you return to the Enter page, you’ll see that your entry status next to the artworks you have submitted will have changed from ‘In progress’ to ‘Submitted’.

I’m having trouble submitting my artwork. What can I do?

In most cases, website faults can be solved by clearing your browsing history and/or cookies, and trying again. Other alternatives include using a different browser, or using a private browsing web page. Within the entry form we’ve added additional information to help with certain questions, please ensure you read these before attempting to input your information.
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We’d also recommend reading this blog post as it goes through the entry process step by step.
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If you are still having difficulty submitting your artwork, please get in touch: [email protected].

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I'm receiving the error message '4026 : 3D-Authentication failed. This vendor's rules require a successful 3D-Authentication.' when I try to pay. What should I do?

If you see this error, either you have entered the password wrong, or your card is not authorised to make international payments.
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Please try another credit or debit card to continue, and if you're still having trouble, email us at [email protected]
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​I can’t work out how to add my entry into the cart - what shall I do?

Once you have finished the submission forms for the entries you'd like to submit, navigate to the 'My Entries' section on the 'Enter' page. Click on the work you'd like to submit to open up the entry form, scroll to the bottom of the page and press 'Add entry to cart'.
This will take you through to the checkout page. On the checkout page, if you'd like to pay for more than one entry at once, click 'Add more entries to your cart' which will take you back to 'My Entries' section.
Click the next artwork title and repeat this process, until you have all entries in your cart. You can then submit payment by checking out the cart.

I’m having problems with creating a password, what shall I do?

Passwords on Award Force must be 12 characters long, containing uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol. If you've tried a password with all these conditions and are still experiencing the issue, please send a screenshot of the error message to [email protected] for assistance.

I'm receiving the following error message - 3108: The Billing Surname value is too long.

The card name field in the checkout section is restricted to 20 characters at a maximum, please input your name within the characters restriction (i.e. without your middle name).

Do I have to submit work under my legal name?

You do not have to submit your entries under your legal name - you can use an artist name or nickname if preferred. The name you choose will appear in all our digital and print communications.

Can I select more than one award category?

You may only choose one Material Award category. However, you can pair it with one additional award category, such as Student or Amateur. All submissions are automatically considered for the First Prize, People’s Choice Award, Jackson's Choice Awards, and Judges’ Choice Awards.
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What can I enter?

You may enter any two-dimensional artwork. All entries are eligible for the shortlist, exhibitions, and 15 of the 31 awards. If you submit a painting, drawing, or original print, you will also be considered for the Material Awards.

We do not accept:

- Three-dimensional or sculptural work

- Digital, computer manipulated, or AI art

- Pure photography

- Digital prints e.g. giclée

Can I enter if I’m based outside the UK?

Yes, we welcome entries from artists worldwide.

Am I still eligible for a prize if I’m unable to send my work to London for the exhibitions?

Yes, you would still be eligible to be considered for a prize; this factor will not affect the judge’s decision. We hope to exhibit all the prize-winners at our Bankside exhibition, but understand it is not possible for all artists to send their work to us.

Is there a theme?

There is no theme for submission to Jackson’s Art Prize.

How many artworks can I enter?

You may submit between 1 and 5 artworks to Jackson’s Art Prize. While submitting multiple pieces isn’t required, there are several advantages to entering more:

- It gives the judges a fuller sense of your artistic style and recurring themes.

- It increases your chances that at least one piece will resonate with the judges.

- It’s more cost-effective - your fifth entry is free.

Is there a size limit?

You may enter a 2D artwork of any size. However, artworks over 2m wide are not guaranteed to be exhibited due to space restrictions and will have to be evaluated when the other exhibitors are confirmed.

Do I have to submit a new artwork?

Submitting a new work is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. Your entry should reflect your current or lifelong body of work.

Can I submit an artwork that has already been sold?

We would prefer entrants to submit artworks that are available, so that they have access to the original pieces and can take part in the exhibition/s.

Can I submit an artwork that has previously won a competition?

Please do not submit an artwork that has previously won a competition.

Can I enter on behalf of someone else?

Yes, if you are a gallery, agent, or other representative and have the permission of the artist, please fill out the form in their name.

You may not enter on behalf of someone else without their knowledge.

Why don't you accept digital work?

While we recognise digital technology as an important creative medium for many artists, Jackson’s Art Prize focuses on showcasing 2D artworks made with traditional art materials, celebrating hands-on techniques in painting, drawing, and printmaking.

At this time, we don’t accept digitally created works, as our emphasis remains on these tactile approaches

My work does not fit into one of the Material Award categories, what do I do?

Some less commonly used techniques do not have their own Material Award, however can still be entered for the chance to win one of the other 15 awards including First Prize. Simply select ‘My work is not suitable to win any particular Material Award’ on the entry form.
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​Can I select more than one award category?

You may only choose one Material Award category. However, you can pair it with one additional award category, such as Student or Amateur. All submissions are automatically considered for the First Prize, People’s Choice Award, Jackson's Choice Awards, and Judges’ Choice Awards.

Which mediums are eligible for the Oil Award?

If you have used mediums across more than one award category, please select the one that features most prominently, or one that you feel best reflects the work.

Which mediums are eligible for the Watercolour Award?

If you have used mediums across more than one award category, please select the one that features most prominently, or one that you feel best reflects the work.

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Acrylic Award?

If you have used mediums across more than one award category, please select the one that features most prominently, or one that you feel best reflects the work.

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Drawing Award?

If you have used mediums across more than one award category, please select the one that features most prominently, or one that you feel best reflects the work.

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Pastel Award?

If you have used mediums across more than one award category, please select the one that features most prominently, or one that you feel best reflects the work.

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Relief Award?

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Intaglio Award?

Which mediums are eligible to be considered for the Planographic Award?

Can I enter a mixed media painting?

Yes, mixed media works are accepted, but they do not have their own category. If the work uses mostly one medium, you may enter it into the relevant category to be entered into the Materials Awards.

If your work was created using more than one medium and does not appropriately represent any singular category, you are still eligible to win one of the other 15 awards and do not need to select a Material Awards category.

Can I enter a giclée print of my work?

No, reproduction prints are not accepted. The submission must be the original artwork, and you must have the original artwork available.

What is an original print?

An original print is an original piece of artwork that has been created through a printmaking process such as screenprint, monotype, relief print, or intaglio. The work may be unique (1/1) or form part of a limited edition. An original print is not a reproduction of another original work (e.g. giclee digital prints)

My painting is textured, is that permitted or do they have to be completely flat?

Many would argue that no painting is completely flat, a painting with texture is fine as long as it isn’t a completely 3D object.

What does ‘inappropriate or offensive’ mean in terms of subject matter?

We state that 'Artworks must not be derogatory, offensive, threatening, defamatory, disparaging or contain content that is inappropriate, indecent, profane, tortuous, slanderous, discriminatory in any way, or that promotes hatred or harm against any group or person.

Artworks deemed as such will be removed from the competition.' Figurative works and nude forms, as long as they do not meet any of the criteria stated above are accepted and welcomed into the competition.

Do you have any advice on how to photograph my work?

Please find our blog article on how to photograph your artwork here.
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The image should be an accurate representation of your artwork, taken in natural light, as well as being of a high resolution for reproduction online. If your photo is blurry, it will be disqualified.

How many photographs/images per artwork can I upload?

Two photographs per artwork.
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The first should depict an accurate, tightly cropped image of your artwork. A second photograph is optional, but if you do submit one, it should feature a view of your artwork from further away (e.g. on a wall) so we can get a better understanding of the scale.

Should I include the frame/background in my first image?

No, please do not include the mount/frame/any other background surface in your first image. These entries will be disqualified. Please only submit straight on, tightly cropped images that display only the artwork.

I have signed my artwork and it is visible in the photograph. Is this ok?

Yes, it is fine for the signature and date to be visible on the artwork.

Can I submit work on a circular/oval canvas?

Yes. Please photograph the artwork on a plain white background and crop as tightly as possible.

Do I submit a diptych/triptych as one entry or separate entries?

If a multi-surface artwork (such as a diptych/triptych) is intended to be viewed as one piece, photograph and submit the work as one entry.

What image formats do you accept?

We accept JPEG, JPG and PNG file types. Minimum 1.5MB, maximum 3MB per image. Images of artwork must be at least 1000px wide (with a resolution of at least 72px per inch). This file size and resolution is more than enough for the judges to get a clear picture of your work. If you get through to a further stage of the competition, we may be in touch to request a higher resolution image for marketing purposes.

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Can I submit an image with a watermark on it?

No, artwork with a copyright stamp or watermark on it will not be accepted.

How do I resize my image to be under 3mb?

You can resize an image on a mac or pc using the following instructions.

Mac:

PC:

How do I get my image to be over 1.5mb?

If your image is under 1.5mb, it cannot be enhanced online. We would recommend retaking the image using our image guidelines for the best results.

How do I know when my work has been judged?

Judging takes place between 11th February and 20th March. Artworks pass through several rounds, and are judged by both the Jackson’s Judging Panel and the Guest Judging Panel.

How does the judging process work?

The Jackson’s Judging Committee determines the winners of the First Prize, Jackson’s Choice Awards (x5), Student Award, Amateur Award, and Material Awards. The six Guest Judges each choose the winner of their own Judge’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award is chosen by the public via a vote from the shortlist.

When will I find out if I have progressed to the next stage of the competition?

The Extended Longlist will be announced on 25th February. You will receive an email to find out whether you have made it to the Extended Longlist. If you do not receive this email, it might be because you have previously unsubscribed to our newsletter - please make sure you are opted in to receive emails from us.

If your work did not make it to the Extended Longlist then unfortunately you have not progressed to the next stage of the competition this time.

What do I do if I don’t receive the results email?

If you do not receive an email from us with the results of the competition, it might be because you have previously unsubscribed to our newsletter - please make sure you are opted in to receive emails from us.

Can I appeal the judge’s decision?

No, the judges' decisions are final.

Can I receive feedback on my submission?

No, the judges’ deliberations are confidential and feedback cannot be given due to the high volume of entries.

What are the two exhibitions?

A smaller selection of shortlisted artworks will be invited to exhibit at Affordable Art Fair, followed by a larger exhibition of the shortlist (those that can send their work) which is held at Bankside Gallery.

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When is Affordable Art Fair?

6th – 10th May 2026

Where is the Affordable Art Fair?

Hampstead Heath, London

How many shortlisted works are exhibited at Affordable Art Fair?

Due to space restrictions, we are only able to exhibit a small selection of prizewinning/shortlisted artworks at Affordable Art Fair.

In 2025, we exhibited 17 works.

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How are the works chosen for the Affordable Art Fair?

Selections will be made based on what is sent to us in good time, available for sale, within the correct price range, and creates a cohesive and representational curation.

As well as this, due to space limitations, we will favour smaller works for selection at Affordable Art Fair, in order to allow more artists to exhibit.

How do I know if my work has been chosen to be exhibited at Affordable Art Fair?

You will be informed if your work has been selected for Affordable Art Fair by 6th May.

If chosen to be exhibited at Affordable Art Fair, does my work have to be for sale?

Yes, your work must be available for sale to be exhibited at Affordable Art Fair. It must be priced between £50 – £10,000 to be eligible. The commission taken by the Affordable Art Fair is 30%+VAT, and the commission taken by Jackson’s is 10%+VAT. We recommend you build this into your pricing structure.

When is the exhibition at Bankside Gallery?

23rd - 28th June 2025, 11am - 6pm daily. The exhibition runs for six days, between Tuesday and Sunday.

Who will be invited to exhibit at Bankside Gallery?

The shortlisted artworks will be invited to exhibit at Bankside Gallery, including all prize-winners.

If exhibited at Bankside Gallery, does my work have to be available for sale?

Your work is not required to be for sale at Bankside Gallery, however it is a great opportunity to procure a buyer. If you would like to sell your work at the exhibition or via Jackson’s Art Gallery, please be aware that we take a 20%+VAT commission on works sold. We recommend you build this into your pricing structure.

If I get shortlisted, am I required to ship my work to London?

If shortlisted, you will be invited to exhibit, but it is not mandatory to take part. If you are unable to send us your work, please let us know as soon as possible.

How do I ship my work to Jackson’s for the exhibition?

If your work is shortlisted, we will provide the Shortlisters Manual, which contains detailed guidance on how to package and deliver your work safely.

Does my work have to be framed for the exhibition?

Works on paper must be framed for the exhibition.

We encourage framing smaller canvas works in a tray frame, and large canvas works can be exhibited framed or unframed.

More details are provided in the Shortlisters Manual.

If you need to frame an artwork on canvas, do look into our Bespoke Framing Service, which delivers custom sized unassembled floating frames that you can put together at home, before sending your work to us. It’s a great economic way to frame your work. Find out more here: https://www.jacksonsart.com/bespoke-frame-builder

Can you assist with the cost of shipping my artwork?

Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer financial support to transport artworks to us for the exhibition. We would like to note that Jackson’s does not profit from Jackson’s Art Prize – funds collected from the entry fees go entirely back into funding the competition.