The Oxfordshire Museum is very excited to announce its first Open Art Competition. We know that Oxfordshire is full of creativity, and we want to show it off! This competition is an opportunity for you to share your artistic skills. Taking ‘Discovery’ as your inspiration what artwork will you, or have you, created that conveys the feeling of discovery?

It is open to residents of Oxfordshire and we welcome submissions from anyone aged 11 years and older. Your artwork does not need to have been created for this competition, or even created recently, but it must fulfil the theme of ‘Discovery’. The 50 best pieces will be selected for a stunning and eclectic exhibition at the Museum. From these 50, three prize winners will be selected.

To enter, apply online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/artcompetition or email oxfordshire.museum@oxfordshire.gov.uk for the form. When completed, return the form with a digital image by 9am, Monday 21st August 2023. All entries will be considered, and 50 will be selected for display. If selected, we will require artworks to be delivered to the Museum no later Monday 11th September.

Q. How old do I need to be?
A. The minimum age is 11 years old and the artwork should not have been created before the artists 11th birthday.

Q. What media will be accepted?
A. We are accepting most media, but will not be able to consider anything that requires electrical power, audio visual equipment or preparation or activation by staff. Please be aware that we are unlikely to accept anything that includes organic material due to pest risk

Q. Will you accept sculptures?
A. We will consider sculpture. However, it must not exceed 5kg in weight, and cannot be more than 1 metre in any plane. If it requires a plinth or stand, the artist must provide this. If a sculpture is chosen for display, but after delivery is considered to be unsafe, it will be declined. All works must be movable by no more than 2 people.

Q. Are there any limits on wall mounted artworks?
A. Due to space restrictions, artwork larger than 1 metre square is unlikely to be accepted. Work must be movable by no more than 2 people.

Q. Will the artworks be insured when on display at the Museum?
A. No, we are unable to insure any items and will not compensate artists if any works are damaged or stolen during the exhibition.

Q. Who will install my work?
A. Qualified and experienced museum staff will install the works. However, they must be delivered ready to be installed. The requirement for installation is that where necessary, sculpture comes with its own stand or mount, and wall mounted artworks are prepared with suitable mirror plates.

Q. Is this a selling exhibition?
A. We cannot process sales, but we are happy to include contact details and price in your label. If sold, artworks are not to be removed until after the exhibition concludes on Sunday 5th November 2023.

Q. What is the submission process?
A. We ask that you provide a digital image and complete a submission form. Email oxfordshire.museum@oxfordshire.gov.uk for the form. After the submission deadline of 9am, Monday 21st August 2023, we will consider the entries. In the week commencing 28th August, we will contact those picked for display and arrange a date for delivery at the Museum.

Q. Who will select the 50 artworks for display?
A. This will be done by a panel with representatives from the Museum Service and external members with relevant experience, training and qualifications in the visual arts.

Q. Where will the exhibition be displayed?
A. It will be displayed in the Garden Gallery, a purpose-built exhibition space that is monitored by CCTV and periodic patrolling by front of house staff. At night it is locked with steel shutters and monitored with a security and fire alarm system.

Q. How old can my artwork be?
A. We do not mind how old it is and you do not need to create a new piece to enter, but it must have been created by you and must be related to the theme.