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Wells Are Contemporary is calling for entires for its annual Gallery Show, based within the stunning setting of Wells Art Cathedral. 

WAC allows UK and international artists to put their work before a prestigious panel of judges. Selected entries are exhibited in the remarkable Gothic spaces of Wells Cathedral and seen by up to 50,000 people annually. They are automatically entered for a wide range of awards, including cash prizes, a residency, mentoring and more. Work may be offered for sale.

THE GALLERY SHOW

The WAC Gallery is a unique exhibition space installed along three sides of Wells Cathedral’s Cloisters, where a white-wall gallery is built to display work. It forms part of the main visitor route round the Cathedral and can be very busy, especially in summer.

Artwork in any medium will be considered for exhibition in the Gallery Show, including painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photo, video, digital, textile, mixed media, and more.

The Gallery Show will be selected by three distinguished artists:

• David Ferry, renowned printmaker; 
• Habib Hajallie, esteemed portrait painter
• Charlotte Hodes, professor of Fine Art and acclaimed visual artist.

The deadline to enter work to Exhibit in the Gallery is the 8th July 2025 at 5pm.

 

Awards:

Artists taking part in Wells Art Contemporary will have the chance to win a wide range of prizes: 

• Howden Art Award: £2,000 to one artist
• NG Art Creative Residency: a two-week placement at NG Art Creative Residency in Provence, including board and lodging, studio space, and mentorship.
• Jane Bowe Memorial Prize: £500 to a work by a Somerset artist chosen by Martin Bowe.
• The Grace Student Prize:  £250 awarded to a current fine art student aged under 26 enrolled on a recognised Bachelor or Masters Fine Arts course. Generously donated by Tracey Grace.
• Parker Harris Mentoring Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session covering all aspects of professional development to a selected artist.
• Somerset Art Works Mentoring Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session to an artist based in Somerset.
• St Cuthberts Mill Award: 20 sheets of Saunders Waterford 300gsm worth over £120 to an artist who works on paper.

• People’s Choice Prize: £500 to the artwork which received the most public votes.