Event History
Now in its 13th year, WAC’s next exhibition will take place in August 2023. This annual showcase is a highlight of Wells cultural life and attracts thousands of visitors. Selected artists’ work will be seen and admired by a huge and attentive audience. Submissions can be in any medium or style.
What Makes this event different?
The competition annually draws a huge entry from artists wishing to show in such an inspirational, prestigious and unusual space. Its international reach and reputation has grown significantly in recent years through the exhibition’s online platform and WAC’s ongoing association with eminent artists. An Antony Gormley sculpture is currently installed in niche 338 on the Cathedral’s West front. WAC provides two ways for artists to exhibit and sell work: the Gallery Show, where artworks are shown in a traditional gallery within the Cathedral cloisters; and the Installation Show which showcases site-specific installations in the main body of the Cathedral itself and its grounds. Wells Cathedral, finished in the 14th century, is renowned as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Britain. Its awe-inspiring interior has wide, high, uncluttered spaces, monumental scissor arches, a fan-vaulted octagonal Chapter House and some of the finest medieval stained glass in the country. On the Cathedral’s South side is a quadrangle of stone-vaulted, medieval cloisters adjacent to the Camery Garden. This is a quiet, contemplative open space showing traces of earlier places of worship and a view of the famous springs of flowing water from which Wells takes its name. The Installation Show runs concurrently with the Gallery Show and offers a unique opportunity for artists to create a site-specific artwork for Wells Cathedral itself. WAC welcomes work from artists of all faiths and of none. However, many of the most resonant pieces in recent years have acknowledged in one way or another the sacred spaces of the Cathedral, its soaring Gothic architecture and its epic public grandeur set against intimate places for quiet reflection. We are not asking for religious art, but those ideas which convey a sense of spiritual intensity in response to this unique medieval building will be particularly welcome. Artists can suggest a specific installation site anywhere within the Cathedral boundary, including the Chapter House, and its two wonderful outside spaces: the Camery Garden and the Palm Courtyard. Not all the spaces are grand, but they are all important. Some are vast and expansive; there are also quiet, almost secret, corners. Striking installations can make an enormous impact in both. You are encouraged to be bold and imaginative. As with the Gallery show, installations are chosen by a team of experienced artist selectors.
Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is calling for artists. Now in its 13th year, the international art competition gives artists the opportunity to show their work in the Wells Cathedral.
There are two ways artists can exhibit and sell their work: The Gallery Show, in the 14th century Wells Cathedral cloisters and/or creating site specific installations in the main body of the Cathedral Grounds in the Installation Show. Both shows run concurrently in August 2023.
The WAC Installation Show offers a unique opportunity for artists to propose a specific installation site anywhere within the Cathedral boundary, including the Chapter House, and its two wonderful outside spaces: the Camery Garden and the Palm Courtyard.
The selection panel of the Installation Show consists of: Adelaide Damoah; Artist, Jacquiline Creswell; Visual Arts Advisor and Rebecca Newnham; Sculptor & Designer.
The prizes awarded for both shows are:
Howden Art Award: £2,000 awarded to one artist
NG Art Creative Residency & Gallery: The NG Art Creative Residency & Gallery Prize aims to discover and celebrate emerging and established creative talents from a variety of disciplines. The Prize Winner will receive a free two-week placement at the NG Art Creative Residency & Gallery in Provence. This includes board and lodging, studio space, mentorship and residency-related outings.
JGM Gallery Prize: The winner of the JGM Gallery Prize will be featured on the JGM Gallery's own website and social media channels. A selection of the winner’s works will be on display and for sale on the gallery website and promoted across their social media – including an artist interview to be posted on their Youtube channel.
Student Prize: £1,000 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: Parker Harris will give a one-to-one mentoring session covering all aspects of professional development to a selected artist.
Somerset Art Works Mentoring Prize: one-to-one mentoring session covering all aspects of professional development to a selected artist.
People’s Choice Prize: £500 will be awarded to the artwork who received the most public votes.
The competition is open to all artists over the age of 18, based internationally or in the UK.
There is an entry fee of £17.50 per work or £10 per work for current fine art students aged under 26 who are enrolled on a recognised Bachelor or Masters Fine Arts course. Artists may enter up to 4 works.
The Installation Show application deadline is March 22 2023, 5pm.
Entry is via online submission via https://new.artopps.co.uk/opportunities/wacsite-specificinstallations.
