For any complex questions not covered by our FAQs please contact cassartprize@cassart.co.uk.
Eligibility
Who can enter The Cass Art Prize?
The prize is open to all artists of all abilities based in the UK & the Republic of Ireland aged 18+.
What can I enter?
Accepting all forms of 2D & 3D artworks made using analogue materials. Artworks must have been created since 1st March 2022.
How many works may I enter?
Artists can enter up to 4 artworks.
What is not accepted?
We are not accepting photography, videography, sound art, performance art, architectural designs, NFTs, fully digital and AI artworks. Artworks which have previously won prizes or awards may not be submitted. Submitted artworks must not be submitted to other competitions taking place between 4th March – 1st November 2025.
What if I entered The Cass Art Prize last year?
Entrants may not enter works which have previously been submitted to The Cass Art Prize. All artists who have previously exhibited and/or won prizes in The Cass Art Prize may enter again. Previous Main Prize Winners may enter again but will not be eligible for the Main Prize.
Who can enter The Students Award?
To be eligible for the Students Award, you must be enrolled on a course in a recognised educational institution (UK or Republic of Ireland) with a minimum length of one year. You must enter via the Students Award application on Zealous.
Who can enter The Art Educators Award?
To be eligible for the Art Educators Award, you must be an Art & Design Teacher, Tutor or Technician at a school, college or university in the UK or Republic of Ireland, or a registered Art Therapist. You must enter via the Art Educators Award application on Zealous.
Who can enter The Judge’s New Talent Award?
All entrants are eligible for this Award. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for this Award. Soho Revue is pleased to offer the awarded artist a month-long exhibition at the gallery in central London, which will include end-to-end staff support, gallery advice, press efforts, and will cover the costs of the exhibition, including transport and install. Soho Revue and the artist will come to an agreement of the chosen month of the exhibition between them.
Who can enter The Development Award?
Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for this Award. Contemporary Art Academy is delighted to offer three free online courses to the winner of the Development Award. The winner will enter the acclaimed PERSONAL PRACTICE (PG1) course, followed by CRITICAL CONTEXT (PG2) and PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (PG3). Information can be found at contemporaryartacademy.com.
Who can enter The Emerging Artist Award?
To be eligible for the Emerging Artist Award you must be aged 35 or under on 13th May 2025. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for this Award.
Who can enter The Over 65 Award?
To be eligible for the Over 65 Award you must be aged 65 or over on 13th May 2025. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for this Award.
Can I enter on behalf of someone else?
No
Can I enter a collaborative piece or as a collective?
No
Can I enter if I work for The Cass Group?
The Cass Group Staff may not enter the main prize but will have an opportunity to enter a special staff award. A small selection of works will be exhibited at the exhibition at Copeland Gallery.
Can I enter if I am an SAA member?
SAA members may enter the prize. However, please note, prize-winning works from the SAA Artists of the Year competition will also be exhibited at the Copeland Gallery exhibition and will also be considered by the guest judges for the main prize.
I'm a student at University of the Arts London, can I be reimbursed for my entry fees?
You're in luck! All current students at University of the Arts London (UAL) are entitled to apply for a reimbursement for their entry fees for The Cass Art Prize 2025, through Arts Students' Union (Arts SU). This applies to applicants entering singular and multiple works into The Students Award in The Cass Art Prize 2025. This offer is valid from 4th March 2024 to 13th May 2025. As funds are limited, this is on a first-come, first-served basis, although this offer can be withdrawn at any time by Arts SU without prior warning. To redeem your reimbursement, proof of student status (UAL student ID number) along with proof of entry to The Cass Art Prize 2025 must be emailed to The Arts Programme Manager, Arts SU at artsprogramme@su.arts.ac.uk by 12pm/midday, Friday 30th May 2025.
Artwork Guidelines & Criteria
What can I enter?
We are accepting all forms of 2D & 3D artworks made using analogue materials. We are not accepting photography, videography, sound art, performance art, architectural designs, NFTs, fully digital and AI artworks. Artworks must have been created since 1st March 2022. Artworks which have previously won prizes or awards may not be submitted. See the ‘Eligibility’ section for other restrictions.
Is there a theme?
There is no theme for The Cass Art Prize 2025.
How many works can I submit?
You may submit up to 4 works, each entrant may only enter into one opportunity (Main Prize, Students Award or Art Educators Award). Please select the correct package on the Zealous platform when submitting and making your payment. Diptychs and triptychs may be entered as one work, please submit these as one image.
Can I enter a work and then enter another later?
Yes, however you won’t be able to take advantage of the discounted rate if you pay for submissions separately. Make sure you know how many works you want to enter before you submit as the price changes for multiple submissions (you can choose to submit up to 4 entries). You can draft and save your submissions and edit them at any point before midday on 13th May 2025. As long as you have selected the correct package and paid for multiple entries, you can add your 2nd, 3rd or 4th submission any time before midday 13th May 2025.
Is there a size limit?
The maximum size for packaged artworks at our storage facility is 300cm (width) x 200cm (height) x 60cm (depth). However, if your work is an installation or a work that exceeds these sizes please get in touch and we will see if we could accommodate it.
Is there a weight limit?
There is no weight limit as such as it depends on the nature of the work, but as a guide, we suggest a limit of 25kg. Please be aware the work will be handled by a maximum of two people (by hand), if you cannot carry it, we probably can’t either. If you have any concerns about the weight of your work please contact us at cassartprize@cassart.co.uk.
Do artworks have to be for sale?
No, we will not be selling artworks at the exhibition, however, we will put artists directly in touch with any potential buyers if both parties are happy for us to do so. The sale of works and any VAT payable is the responsibility of the artist. Any works sold must remain in the exhibition for the full duration.
Is there a commission on sales that are a direct result of the exhibition?
No, we take no commission on any sales.
Can I enter a work that has already been sold?
No.
What are the rules around reference images, IP and Copyright?
All works must be the Intellectual Property of the artist, or displayed with the consent of any other relevant creators, and free of any copyright issues. Where work is based on reference imagery, artists must have permission from the original creator who holds the Intellectual Property Rights or be working under a creative commons agreement (e.g. references purchased from an image library).
Where might my artwork image be used?
By entering the Cass Art Prize you give permission for The Cass Group and Copeland Gallery to use images of your work for marketing purposes, including but not limited to, their respective websites, social media and newsletters. Your artwork images may also be used by the press for promotional purposes and/or by third party partners to promote this exhibition and future iterations of The Cass Art Prize.
What mediums are eligible for the Oil Painting Award?
Oil paint, water mixable oil paint, oil sticks & encaustic. Please select the 'Oil' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used additional media in your artwork please select the ‘Mixed Media’ category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Watercolour Award?
Watercolour paint, watercolour pencils (used wet), watercolour markers, gouache and tempura. Please select the 'Watercolour' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used additional media in your artwork please select the ‘Mixed Media’ category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Acrylic Award?
Acrylic paint and acrylic spray paint. Please select the 'Acrylic' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used additional media in your artwork please select the ‘Mixed Media’ category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Drawing & Sketching Award?
Pencil, pen, ink or charcoal. Please select the 'Drawing & Sketching' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used additional media in your artwork please select the ‘Mixed Media’ category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the 3D Artwork Award?
Clay, wood, metal and other sculpting materials, fabrics and yarn. Installation works. Please select the '3D Artworks' category in your application if you would like to be considered for this award.
What mediums are eligible for the Mixed Media & Printmaking Award?
Artwork containing 2 or more types of media. Original prints including linocut, woodcut, block printing, monoprints, screenprinting, etching, collagraphy, lithography, and cyanotype. Reproduction prints will not be accepted. Please select the 'Mixed Media & Printmaking' category in your application if you would like to be considered for this award.
What mediums are eligible for the Pastel Award?
Oil pastels, soft pastels or pastel pencils. Please select the 'Pastel' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used additional media in your artwork please select the ‘Mixed Media’ category in your application.
How should I photograph my work?
Take a high-resolution photo of your work in good lighting, with no shadows falling across it, and tightly crop the photograph to the work. Upload your submission images as Jpegs (we suggest between 3MB-8MB). Please do not include the frame in the photograph, unless it is integral to the work. Ensure images are free of copyright stamps or watermarks. Read our blog for more tips on photographing your work. Please note, if the photograph is not a true representation of the original work, we reserve the right to exclude the work from the competition.
Judging Process
How does the judging work?
The judging takes place in multiple rounds. All works will be judged by The Cass Art Prize committee in the first instance. The Guest Judges will then select the Longlisted and Shortlisted entries, and the Award Winners. The judges’ decision is final and we are unable to provide feedback.
What is the judging criteria?
- Intent & concept: How well does the artist achieve what they set out to do?
- Creativity & originality: Does the artist display an interesting approach to the work, or an innovative style?
- Technical ability & execution: How well has the work been produced?
- Viewer response: Does the work capture and hold the viewer's attention & interest? For example, emotionally, visually, or intellectually?
Notifications & Results
When will I hear the results?
All entrants will be emailed between 15th – 17th July 2025 to be informed if they have been Shortlisted, Longlisted or unsuccessful. Please ensure you have subscribed to the Cass Art Newsletter for updates and mark cassartprize@cassart.co.uk as a safe email address and add it to your list of allowed senders. If you haven’t received an email from Cass Art or The Cass Art Prize by the end of day on 17th July 2025, please check your junk and promotional or contact cassartprize@cassart.co.uk. A list of Longlisted and Shortlisted entrants will also be published at cassart.co.uk/thecassartprize on 15th July 2025.
I’ve been longlisted! What does that mean?
Longlisted artists will be invited to exhibit in The Cass Art Prize Exhibition 2025 at Copeland Gallery.
I’ve been shortlisted! What does that mean?
Shortlisted artists will be invited to exhibit in The Cass Art Prize Exhibition 2025 at Copeland Gallery, and may win a prize. Please note that not all Shortlisted artists will be prize winners. Shortlisted artists will be expected to attend the Private View & Prize Giving on 23rd October 2025 at Copeland Gallery, London where prize winners will be announced.
Exhibition & Delivery of Works
Where & when is the exhibition taking place?
The Cass Art Prize 2025 exhibition will take place at Copeland Gallery, Unit 9, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London SE15 3SN. The Private View and Prize Giving will take place in the evening on Thursday 23rd October 2025 and the exhibition will run from Friday 24th October – Saturday 1st November 2025 inclusive.
I’ve been selected for the exhibition! Where do I deliver my work?
Artists are responsible for the cost and logistics of transporting their work. Entrants selected to be part of the exhibition at Copeland Gallery will be contacted and given the option to either deliver their work to the storage facility or directly to the gallery. Selected exhibitors will be provided with a delivery label and reference number to include on their package.
Option 1: Deliver to the storage facility
Artworks must be delivered to The Cass Art Prize, Millennium House, Brunel Drive, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2DE between 9am – 4pm from Mon 22nd - Fri 26th September 2025 only. Please note, works must be delivered to the Goods In entrance, to the left-hand side of the building, not via the reception area as this is not a secure area.
Option 2: Deliver directly to the gallery
Artworks must be delivered to The Cass Art Prize, Copeland Gallery, Unit 9, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London, SE15 3SN on the morning of Tuesday 21st October 2025. There is very limited parking at the gallery. Artists will be given a short delivery time slot within which to drop off their work.
Please note: Deliveries can only be made at the times, dates and locations stated above. Deliveries of works outside of these hours will not be accepted and may not be included in the exhibition.
What packaging should I use?
Be sure to send your artworks in suitable packaging, ideally packaging that can be reused to return the works.
Do I have to insure my work?
It is the responsibility of entrants to take out insurance which covers the works in transit to and from the storage facility, whilst at the storage facility, to and from the exhibition and throughout the duration of the exhibition. Works will be handled with due care, however, we cannot accept responsibility for any damage incurred to works in transit, in storage or throughout the exhibition.
Does my work have to be framed?
No, it is preferable for artworks to be framed to prevent damage, but it is not a requirement.
Should I attach hanging equipment to my work?
No, however the work must be ready to hang/install. We will use appropriate hanging equipment such as nails, D-rings, mirror plates or plinths. The work should be able to accommodate these. If you have any specific hanging or installation requirements please contact us at cassartprize@cassart.co.uk.
Can the exhibition be photographed by the public?
Visitors to the exhibition will be allowed to photograph the works, both individually and/or as installation shots and may share these images on their own social media platforms.
How will you promote the exhibitors?
Exhibitors may be asked to participate in promotional activities such as social media and may be photographed at the Prize Giving ceremony with their work. These images may be used by the press and will be used to promote the exhibition and artists’ work via The Cass Group’s various platforms. By participating, each entrant grants The Cass Group permission to use their name, artwork, likeness or comments for publicity purposes without payment or additional consideration, except where prohibited by law. If you have any questions, please email: cassartprize@cassart.co.uk.
How do I collect my work?
Exhibiting artists must arrange to have their work collected after the exhibition. Cass Art is not responsible for any delivery costs or insurance of the work in transit, and cannot store artworks not collected within the agreed date range. There are two options for collection:
Option 1: Collect your work from the exhibition
The Cass Art Prize, Copeland Gallery, Unit 9, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London, SE15 3SN,T on Mon 3rd November between 9am - 2pm. This must be arranged with the exhibition organiser via cassartprize@cassart.co.uk in advance.
Option 2: Arrange to have your work collected from The Cass Art Prize, Millennium House, Brunel Drive, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2DE between 9am – 4pm from Mon 10th – Fri 14th November 2025 only. Please inform the exhibition organisers which day your artwork will be collected.
Please note: Collections can only be made at the times and dates stated above. Collections outside of these hours will not be possible. Any work not collected from the exhibition on Monday 3rd November 2025 will be delivered to the Newark address and must be collected from there.
Return of Exhibited Works
How do I collect my work?
Exhibiting artists must arrange to have their work collected after the exhibition. Cass Art is not responsible for any delivery costs or insurance of the work in transit, and cannot store artworks not collected within the agreed date range. There are two options for collection:
Option 1: Collect your work from the exhibition
The Cass Art Prize, Copeland Gallery, Unit 9, Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Rd, London, SE15 3SN,T on Mon 3rd November between 9am - 2pm. This must be arranged with the exhibition organiser via cassartprize@cassart.co.uk in advance.
Option 2: Arrange to have your work collected from The Cass Art Prize, Millennium House, Brunel Drive, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2DE between 9am – 4pm from Mon 10th – Fri 14th November 2025 only. Please inform the exhibition organisers which day your artwork will be collected.
Please note: Collections can only be made at the times and dates stated above. Collections outside of these hours will not be possible. Any work not collected from the exhibition on Monday 3rd November 2025 will be delivered to the Newark address and must be collected from there.
Award Winners
What happens if I win the stand at The Other Art Fair?
The Other Art Fair is pleased to offer a 5LM stand at The Other Art Fair, March 2026 worth £1,944 for the main prize winner of the Cass Art Prize 2025. The Other Art Fair will cover the following production costs; walling, lighting. The recipient of the award is to present and manage the stand onsite at the fair, including installation and de-installation of the space. The recipient is to be responsible for the shipping of works to the venue and removal of works from the venue at the Fair close. The recipient is to provide works for sale in the stand and sell these onsite via the central payment system, The Other Art Fair will take 18% commission (plus VAT) on each sale and the recipient will be paid out 30 calendar days after the fair closes. Upon winning The Cass Art Prize, the recipient’s contact details will be passed on to The Other Art Fair to make arrangements.
What happens if I win the Judge’s New Talent Award?
Soho Revue is pleased to offer the awarded artist a month-long exhibition at the gallery in central London, which will include end-to-end staff support, gallery advice, press efforts, and will cover the costs of the exhibition, including transport and install. Soho Revue and the artist will come to an agreement of the chosen month of the exhibition between them.
What happens if I win the Contemporary Art Academy Development Award?
Contemporary Art Academy is delighted to offer three free online courses to the winner of the Development Award. The winner will enter the acclaimed PERSONAL PRACTICE (PG1) course, followed by CRITICAL CONTEXT (PG2) and PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (PG3). Information can be found at contemporaryartacademy.com. Courses may be booked in the name of or transferred to an individual other than the relevant winner. Courses must be booked (but not necessarily taken) before 31 December 2026.
How do I win the People’s Choice Award?
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to vote for their favourite work in the show. The People’s Choice Winner will be notified on 10th November 2025.
What happens if I win another award?
You’ll be contacted after the exhibition to arrange your prize.
How will you promote the winners?
Award winners will be asked to participate in promotional activities such as blog interviews and social media and will be photographed at the Prize Giving ceremony with their work. These images may be used by the press and will be used to promote the exhibition and artists’ work via The Cass Group’s various platforms.
- 4th MAR 2025
Submissions Open - 13th MAY 2025
Sumbissions close midday - 15th - 17th JULY 2025
All entrants, Longlist & Shortlist notified - 23rd OCT 2025
Prize Winners announced at Private View - 24th OCT - 1st NOV 2025
Copeland Gallery show open - 10th NOV 2025
People's Choice Award winner announced - SPRING 2026
Winner's stand at The Other Art Fair
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