Derbyshire to inspire artists in prestigious annual competition

Professional and amateur artists of all ages are being encouraged to enter their work in the prestigious annual Derbyshire Open Art competition.

The Derbyshire County Council competition and exhibition is in its 37th year and is being co-ordinated by the team at the council’s Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

It is supported by Tarmac and the Friends of Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Artists considering entering the competition are encouraged to use Derbyshire as their inspiration and express through their work what the county means to them.

Work to be submitted for the competition and exhibition could be a Derbyshire landscape, town or street scene, still life or representations of local stories.

Most mediums are accepted, including oils, acrylics, watercolours, drawing, print, collage, manipulated digital imagery or three-dimensional work.

Artists can submit up to two works which must be handed in between 10.30am and 4pm on Friday 21 June and Saturday 22 June, at the museum and art gallery on Terrace Road, Buxton.

An independent panel of four judges will select the works which will make up the Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition, to be shown at the museum and art gallery.

There are prizes and 10 commendations to be won, with prize money totalling £2,400. The winners are all selected by the judges except one which is chosen by visitors to the museum and art gallery.

First prize wins the Derbyshire Trophy and £750, and the winning work is acquired for the museum’s art collection.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism Councillor Barry Lewis said

“Our annual Derbyshire Open Art competition and exhibition is a real chance for artists to showcase their work to an audience of thousands and celebrate all that is great about our beautiful county.

“Every year we’re astounded by the number of entries and the standard of work that comes in, and I’m sure this year will be no exception. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries and joining thousands of visitors to the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery to see the exhibition.”

Prizes will be announced at a preview event on 5 July. The children’s prize giving is at 6.30pm and the adults’ prize giving is at 7.30pm.

Visitors to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery can vote for the Visitors’ Choice winner, and they can post their nomination for their favourite piece of work while the exhibition is on.

The winner of the Visitors’ Choice will be announced on the museum’s website and social media on the 14 August. 

The Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition runs through the Buxton Festival and school summer holiday, giving artists’ work maximum exposure during the museum’s busiest months.

Competition details including the rules, prizes and the entry form are available.

People who do not have access to a computer can visit any Derbyshire County Council library where they can access the link on the public computers.

For more information people can contact Buxton Museum and Art Gallery on 01629 533540 or email buxton.museum@derbyshire.gov.uk

The Derbyshire Open Art Exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 6 July and runs until Friday 13 September, featuring the judges’ selection, including the winning pieces.

Back to news