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+.
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 Contemporary Art Academy Development Award?
Contemporary Art Academy provides premium online courses for artists at all stages in their careers for affordable prices. DEVELOPMENT (PG) courses are for artists who maintain a studio practice and want to advance their practical, critical and professional capabilities. DISCOVERY courses are for all artists looking to explore the creative process and develop new ways of making and thinking. INSTRUCTIONAL LIVE courses are for all artists wishing to learn or develop technical skills. Please indicate in your application on Zealous 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, 1st 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 claim reimbursement for their entry fees for The Cass Art Prize 2024, through Arts Students' Union (Arts SU). This applies to applicants entering singular and multiple works into The Students Award in The Cass Art Prize 2024. This offer is valid from 12th March 2024 to 20th May 2024 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 2024 must be emailed to The Arts Programme Manager, Arts SU at artsprogramme@su.arts.ac.uk by 12pm/midday, Friday 31st May 2024.
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, architectural designs, NFTs, fully digital and AI artworks. Artworks must have been created since 1st March 2021. Artworks which have previously won prizes or awards may not be submitted.
Is there a theme?
There is no theme for The Cass Art Prize 2024.
How many works can I submit?
You can choose to submit up to 3 entries, each entrant may only enter into one opportunity (Main Prize, Students Award or Art Educators Award). Make sure you know how many works you want to enter before you select your package and pay as the price changes for multiple submissions. Once you have completed the form, select the package you wish to buy (1 Entry, 2 Entries or 3 Entries) & follow the steps on the Zealous platform. You won’t be able to take advantage of the discounted rate if you select the wrong package. 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?
You can draft and save your submissions and edit them at any point before midday on 20th May 2024. As long as you have selected the correct package and paid for multiple entries, you can add your 2nd or 3rd submission any time before midday 20th May 2024.
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 contact us at cassartprize@cassartprize.co.ukand 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 works 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.
How do I enter the Contemporary Art Academy Award?
Please indicate if you would like to be considered for this award in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Michael Harding Award for Oil Painting?
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 these mediums with additional mediums in your artwork please select the 'Mixed Media & Printmaking' category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Winsor & Newton Award for Watercolour?
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 these mediums with additional mediums in your artwork please select the 'Mixed Media & Printmaking' category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Liquitex Award for Acrylic?
Acrylic paint and acrylic spray paint. Please select the 'Acrylic' category in your application to be considered for this award. If you have used these mediums with additional mediums in your artwork please select the 'Mixed Media & Printmaking' category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the Caran d’Ache Award for Drawing & Sketching?
Pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, oil pastels or soft pastels. Please select the 'Drawing & Sketching' category in your application if you would like to be considered for this award. If you have used these mediums with additional mediums in your artwork please select the 'Mixed Media & Printmaking' category in your application.
What mediums are eligible for the DAS Award for 3D Artwork?
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 Canson Award for Mixed Media & Printmaking?
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.
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 and void your entry.
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 etc.
Notifications & Results
When will I hear the results?
All entrants will be emailed between 9th - 11th July 2024 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/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 11th July, please check your junk and promotional folders or contact cassartprize@cassart.co.uk. A list of Longlisted and Shortlisted entrants will also be published at cassart.co.uk/thecassartprize on 9th July 2024.
I’ve been longlisted! What does that mean?
Longlisted artists will be invited to exhibit in The Cass Art Prize Exhibition 2024 at Copeland Gallery.
I’ve been shortlisted! What does that mean?
Shortlisted artists will be invited to exhibit in The Cass Art Prize Exhibition 2024 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 7th November 2024 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 2024 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 7th November 2024 and the exhibition will run from Friday 8th – Saturday 16th November 2024 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 need to deliver their works to the following address between 9am – 4pm from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October 2024 only. Please note, artworks delivered outside of these hours and dates will not be accepted and may not be included in the exhibition. Exhibitors will be provided with a reference number to include on their package.
The Cass Art Prize
Millennium House
Brunel Drive
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG24 2DE
Can I deliver my work by hand?
Exhibiting artists may deliver their work by hand to the Newark address above provided it is between 9am – 4pm from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October 2024. 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.
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, in transit 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 loss or damage incurred to works in transit, 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
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:
1. Collect your work from the exhibition at Copeland Gallery, on Monday 18th November between 9am - 5pm.
This must be arranged with the exhibition organiser via cassartprize@cassart.co.uk in advance.
2. Arrange to have your work collected from the address below between 9am – 4pm from Monday 9th December – Friday 13th December 2024 only.
Please inform the exhibition organisers which day your artwork will be collected.
The Cass Art Prize
Millennium House
Brunel Drive
Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG24 2DE
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 18th November 2024 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 2025 worth £1,890 for the first prize winner of the Cass Art Prize 2024. 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 deinstallation 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 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 may select any three courses from the CAA programme. All courses are transferable to any other individual(s). Valid until 31 December 2025. Upon winning, the recipient’s contact details will be passed on to Contemporary Art Academy to make arrangements.
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 25th November 2024.
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.
12th MAR 2024
Submissions Open20th MAY 2024
Sumbissions close midday- 9th-11th JULY 2024
All entrants, Longlist & Shortlist notified - 7th NOV 2024
Prize Winners announced at Private View - 8th-16th NOV 2024
Copeland Gallery Show - 25th NOV 2024
People's Choice winner notified - MAR 2025
Winner's stand at The Other Art Fair