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£10,000 in prizes | Exhibit your art in London | Career development opportunities | In partnership with the VAA | VAO Finalist Exhibition 8th-11th Oct

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SAVE THE DATE | VISUAL ART OPEN 2026 ✨

The Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists Exhibition is coming to London this October.

Join us at The Minster Building for four days celebrating contemporary art, bringing together this year’s finalists, art lovers, collectors, patrons and the wider creative community.

8th October
VIP Private View & Winners Announcement | 18:00-20:30
(By invitation only)

The Overall Winner and Category Winners will be announced during the evening, alongside the opportunity to meet this year’s finalists and discover the exhibition.

9th-11th October | Open to the Public

Alongside the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a programme of free talks and events exploring different sides of the art world - whether you’re an artist, collector, patron or simply passionate about contemporary art.

Friday 9th October | 11:00-17:00
11:00-12:00 | The Power of Patronage: Supporting the Future of Contemporary Art
12:30-13:30 | Curatorial Walkthrough
13:30-14:30 | VAA x FOLLOW.ART Casual Networking

Saturday 10th October | 11:00-17:00
13:00-14:00 | Building an Art Career: Lessons from Working Artists

Sunday 11th October | 11:00-13:00

Whether you’re looking to discover new artists, deepen your understanding of collecting, explore the role of patronage or gain insight into building an art career, the programme offers an opportunity to engage with the ideas, people and practices shaping the contemporary art world - while supporting this year’s VAO finalists.

📍 The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AG

Find out more and explore the full exhibition programme: https://www.visualartopen.com/vao26-finalist-exhibition

Comment 'VAO26' to be sent the link directly ✨

For any queries, please email info@visualartopen.com

@visualartistsassociation @followart.world @tmb_experience @hannatendoornkaat_art @adelaidedamoah @elizabethfortescue @ellabaudinet @hannahlougrout @londonartcritic @stephdieckvoss @arngunnur_aegisdottir @atelier_lihao

#VAO26 #VAOFinalistExhibition #SupportingArtists by @visualartopen

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a month ago

The Visual Art Open 2025 Finalist Exhibition at the Minster Building in October was a showcase of remarkable creativity and talent.

We were incredibly inspired by the exceptional work of all VAO25 entrants and by the achievements of this year’s finalists and prize-winners.

Don't miss your chance to exhibit your artwork at the iconic Minster Building this year! Join the 11th edition of the Visual Art Open – a major international art award celebrating emerging and established artists worldwide. With a £10,000 prize fund, the VAO offers career-enhancing opportunities, professional support, and national exposure.

Apply Now: https://www.visualartopen.com
Deadline: Midnight, 10th June 2026

@labakesart
@judithburrowsartiststudio
@chieduokonta
@constantin_vilsmeier
@beaveranton
@freakerstudio
@aindreasscholz
@jacobweeksphoto
@basil.schubert
@justinerosenzweigartist
@sammio
@susanmurrayart
@giulia_quaresima_artist
@ineshermioneart
@louise_hapton
@studio.dustdust
@bea_last_artist
@francesca_busca
@jennihorneart
@yixue_ceramics
@citrusave
@nhn_sym
@divyasharmastudio
@calder_mackay_art
@shirleyannoneill_
@tmb_experience
@cbre_uk
@followart.world

Photo Credit
Betty Sungwon Yoon | @sungwonyoonstudio
Maxine Monaghan | @maxine_monaghan__nikon
Amy Quinn | @visualartopen

#VisualArtOpen #VAO25 #ArtExhibition #LondonArt #EmergingArtists by @visualartopen

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7 months ago

VAO 2026 Judging Panel ✨

This years panel brings together some of the most experienced and respected voices in contemporary art, including; internationally acclaimed artists, writers, art historians, industry experts, art organisation directors and curators!

Addi Aegisdottir @arngunnur_aegisdottir – Creative Director at Mall Galleries and Mall Galleries Art Consultancy, specialising in artist support, curation, and bespoke art consultancy

Stephanie Dieckvoss @stephdieckvoss – Art Historian, Cultural Manager and Lecturer at Courtauld Institute of Art, with over 15 years in Galleries and International Art Fairs, and London Art Market Correspondent for Handelsblatt

Tabish Khan @londonartcritic – Writer, Podcaster, Collector and Curator dedicated to making art accessible to all. Art Critic, featured in Londonist, FAD Magazine, Culture Whisper, Artsy, STIRworld and Elephant Magazine. Trustee for ArtCan, CGL Arts School and ING Discerning Eye

Hannah Grout @hannahlougrout – Senior Fair Manager at The Other Art Fair, guiding artists on curation, exhibitor development, and positioning within the art market

Hanna ten Doornkaat @hannatendoornkaat_art - Co-founder and curator of whiteNoise_Projects, multidisciplinary artist, showcasing her work both in the UK and internationally

Li Hao @atelier_lihao - Visual Art Open 2026 Overall Winner, international artist, and Founder of SPARK, an ongoing socially engaged art initiative working with underrepresented communities

Adelaide Damoah @adelaidedamoah - Multidisciplinary Practitioner, Royal West of England Academy Academician, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and ING Discerning Eye Trustee

Ella Baudinet @ellabaudinet - Internationally Acclaimed Artist, Painting Winner of the Lorenzo il Magnifico Award at the Florence Biennale

Elizabeth Fortescue @elizabethfortescue - Author, Visual Arts Journalist, featured in the Australian Financial Review, The Art Newspaper

Apply Now: https://www.visualartopen.com
Comment APPLY to be sent the direct link

#VAO #VAO26 #VisualArtOpen #OpenCall by @visualartopen

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10 months ago

Visual Art Open Finalists Exhibition Celebrates 11th Anniversary at London’s Iconic Minster Building.

Now in its 11th year, the VAO has received over 30,000 applications from artists across 86 countries, cementing its place as a launchpad for creative careers. The 11th Anniversary promises to be an exciting year, uniting art lovers, collectors and curators in celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary art created by this year’s finalists. I can’t wait to be a part of this year’s fantastic line-up of artists.

Event Details:
 The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London, EC3R 7AG 8th-11th October 2026 VIP Opening Night: Thursday 8th October, 18:00-20:30 (by invitation) Open to Public: Friday & Saturday, 11:00-17:00 | Sunday, 11:00-13:00

@visualartopen
@visualartistsassociation by @visualartopen

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21 hours ago

3 DAYS UNTIL VAO26 ✨

We’re almost there.

In just three days, the Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists Exhibition begins at The Minster Building, London.

This year’s finalists are ready. The exhibition is coming together. And soon, we’ll be revealing the Overall Winner and Category Winners of the £10,000 Prize Fund. 🏆

Then it’s over to you.

From 9th–11th October, the doors open to the public for three days of contemporary art, alongside free talks, curatorial insights and creative networking.

🎨 Discover the VAO26 finalists
🏆 £10,000 Prize Fund
✨ Meet artists & the wider creative community
🎤 Free talks & events
📍 The Minster Building, London

8th October | VIP Private View & Winners Announcement
By invitation only

9th–11th October | Open to the Public

THREE DAYS TO GO. ✨

Comment ‘VAO26’ and we’ll send you everything you need to plan your visit.

Featuring artwork by VAO26 Painting Finalist Alexis Butterfield @take_a_line_for_a_walk

@visualartistsassociation @followart.world @tmb_experience @hannatendoornkaat_art @adelaidedamoah @elizabethfortescue @ellabaudinet @hannahjougrout @londonartcritic @stephdieckvoss @arngunnur_aegisdottir @atelier_lihao @dylanlisleart

#VAO26 #VisualArtOpen #VAOFinalistsExhibition #ContemporaryArt #LondonArt #SupportingArtists by @visualartopen

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a day ago

7 DAYS UNTIL VAO26 ✨

This time next week, the Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists Exhibition begins in London.

After months of entries, judging and anticipation, this year’s finalists are coming together at The Minster Building to showcase their work and celebrate the very best of contemporary art.

And we’re almost ready to welcome you.

🏆 £10,000 Prize Fund
🎨 This year’s VAO26 Finalists
✨ Overall & Category Winners revealed
🥂 VIP Private View & Awards Evening
🎤 Free talks, curatorial insights & creative networking

The winners will be announced at our VIP Private View on 8th October, before the exhibition opens to the public from 9th–11th October.

Come and discover new contemporary artists, experience the finalist works in person and be part of VAO26.

📅 8th–11th October 2026
📍 The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AG

ONE WEEK TO GO. ✨

Comment ‘VAO26’ and we’ll send you everything you need to plan your visit.

@visualartistsassociation @followart.world @tmb_experience @hannatendoornkaat_art @adelaidedamoah @elizabethfortescue @ellabaudinet @hannahjougrout @londonartcritic @stephdieckvoss @arngunnur_aegisdottir @atelier_lihao @dylanlisleart

#VAO26 #VisualArtOpen #VAOFinalistsExhibition #ContemporaryArt #LondonArt #SupportingArtists by @visualartopen

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5 days ago

“Art remains one of the few places where human emotion is not merely represented but embodied.” - Dylan Lisle

For Dylan Lisle, the enduring strength of art lies in its ability to return what we take from the world through feeling, reflection and empathy - reminding us of our shared humanity.

Dylan, artist and VAO 2026 Painting Finalist, joins us for Building an Art Career: Lessons From Working Artists at the Visual Art Open.

Hear directly from working artists as they share candid perspectives on developing a practice, navigating the art world and building a sustainable creative career.

📅 Saturday 10 October
⏰ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 The Minster Building, London

Find out more:
https://visual-artists.org/event/building-an-art-career-lessons-from-working-artists/

Or comment CAREER below and we’ll send you the event link.

#VisualArtOpen #VAO2026 #ArtistCareer #WorkingArtists #VisualArtists #ArtCareer #ContemporaryArt #EmergingArtists by @visualartopen

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6 days ago

Meet the Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists! 🙌🏻🌟

Discovering an artist is only the beginning.
Visiting the VAO Finalist Exhibition? Scan the FOLLOW.ART QR code next to an artwork to discover more about the artist behind it. Explore their practice, save their contact, and book a studio visit directly through their FOLLOW.ART Card.

You can also support the artists through micro-patronage, giving you a direct way to contribute to their practice without buying the artwork.🎨💸

More VAO 2026 Finalists can be discovered through the link in @visualartopen ‘s bio.

📍 The Minster Building ( @tmb_experience ), London
📅 8–11 October 2026
🎟️ Open to the public: Fri & Sat 11:00–17:00 | Sun 11:00–13:00

Be the reason we have art tomorrow!🧡

#art #vao #london #exhibition #followart taken in London, United Kingdom by @visualartopen

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7 days ago

“Being an artist is learning to trust what you notice.” - Helga Stenzel

Sometimes the smallest observations become the starting point for something much bigger.

International artist Helga Stenzel joins us at the Visual Art Open for Building an Art Career: Lessons From Working Artists - an honest panel discussion exploring the realities of developing a practice, finding opportunities, navigating challenges and sustaining a creative career.

📅 Saturday 10 October
⏰ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 The Minster Building, London
🎟 Free to attend

Find out more and book your place:
https://visual-artists.org/event/building-an-art-career-lessons-from-working-artists/

Or comment CAREER below and we’ll send you the booking link.

#VisualArtOpen #VAO2026 #ArtistCareer #WorkingArtists #VisualArtists #ArtCareer #ContemporaryArt #Artists by @visualartopen

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8 days ago

The Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists Exhibition is coming to London this October ✨

Meet some of the talented artists exhibiting at the Visual Art Open 2026 Finalists Exhibition at the iconic Minster Building for four days celebrating contemporary art, bringing together this year’s finalists, art lovers, collectors, patrons and the wider creative community.

Featured Artists
Micheal Gordon @m_gordo2
Emily Catherine
Duo Adma @duo_adma
Calder Mckay @calder_mackay_art
Megumi Ohata @megumiohata
Sandy Roberts @sandyjrobertsart
Tori McLean @torimcleanprint
Linda Burris Webster @linda_burris_webster
Asya Dudko Artist @asyadudkoart
Dylan Lisle @dylan.lisle
Racheal Foister @rachelfoisterfineart
Racheal Nelson @rachelnelsonart
Maryam Deyhim
Antonio Azevedo @antonio.azevedo66
Ella Williams @ella_williams_art

8th October
VIP Private View & Winners Announcement | 18:00-20:30
(Invitation only)
The Overall Winner and Category Winners will be announced, with the opportunity to meet this year’s finalists and discover the exhibition.

9th-11th October | Open to the Public
Alongside the exhibition, we’ll be hosting a programme of free talks and events exploring different sides of the art world.

Friday 9th October | 11:00-17:00
11:00-12:00 | The Power of Patronage
12:30-13:30 | Curatorial Walkthrough
13:30-14:30 | VAA x FOLLOW.ART Casual Networking
Saturday 10th October | 11:00-17:00
13:00-14:00 | Building an Art Career
Sunday 11th October | 11:00-13:00

Whether you’re looking to discover new artists, deepen your understanding of collecting, explore the role of patronage or gain insight into building an art career, the programme offers an opportunity to engage with the ideas, people and practices shaping the contemporary art world - while supporting this year’s VAO finalists.

📍 The Minster Building, 21 Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AG
Find out more and explore the full exhibition programme: https://www.visualartopen.com/vao26-finalist-exhibition

Comment 'VAO26' to be sent the link directly ✨
For any queries, email info@visualartopen.com

@visualartistsassociation @followart.world @tmb_experience @theprintspace @theotherartfair #VAO26 #VAOFinalistExhibitions by @visualartopen

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8 days ago

What does it really take to build a career as an artist?

As part of the Visual Art Open 2026 exhibition, join us for Building an Art Career: Lessons from Working Artists - an honest panel discussion exploring the realities of developing and sustaining a career in the art world.

Hear from international artist Helga Stenzel, VAO 2026 Painting Finalist Dylan Lisle and VAA Partnerships Coordinator Matilde Tariello as they share real-world experiences, practical insights and lessons learned along the way.

From finding opportunities and developing your practice to building an audience, navigating challenges and creating a sustainable career, this is a chance to hear candid perspectives from people working within the art world.

📅 Saturday 10 October
⏰ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 The Minster Building, London
🎟 FREE

Come with your questions and leave with practical advice for your own creative journey.

Find out more and RSVP:
https://visual-artists.org/event/building-an-art-career-lessons-from-working-artists/

Or comment CAREER below and we’ll send the event details straight to your DMs. 💛

@dylanlisleart @matildetariello @helga.stentzel

#VisualArtistsAssociation #VisualArtOpen #VAO2026 #ArtistCareer #WorkingArtists #EmergingArtists #ArtCareer #ArtistDevelopment #LondonArt #ContemporaryArt by @visualartopen

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10 days ago

From traditional oil painting to folklore, morality and our changing relationship with the world around us - meet Dylan Lisle.

Dylan is a Manchester-based figurative painter and one of the Painting Finalists selected for the Visual Art Open 2026.

On Saturday 10 October, Dylan will be joining us for Building an Art Career: Lessons from Working Artists, where he’ll share more about his own journey and the realities of building and sustaining a career as an artist.

Alongside international artist Helga Stenzel and VAA Partnerships Coordinator Matilde Tariello, the conversation will explore the different paths an art career can take, the challenges along the way and lessons learned through experience.

📅 Saturday 10 October
⏰ 1:00pm - 2:00pm
📍 The Minster Building, London
🎟 FREE

Find out more and RSVP:
https://visual-artists.org/event/building-an-art-career-lessons-from-working-artists/

Or comment CAREER below and we’ll send the event details straight to your DMs. 💛

#VisualArtistsAssociation #VisualArtOpen #VAO2026 #DylanLisle #ArtistCareer #FigurativeArt #OilPainting #WorkingArtists #ArtistDevelopment #LondonArt by @visualartopen

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11 days ago