The Oxfordshire Museum
Representations of people. The Oxfordshire Museum's 2024 open art competition
This competition is an opportunity for you to share your artistic skills.
On this page
About the 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 'Representations of people’ as your inspiration what artwork will you, or have you, created that would encompass the theme of representations of people?
The competition is free and is open to people living in Oxfordshire, aged 11 and over. The artwork must have been created after the artist's 11th birthday.
Your artwork does not need to have been created for this competition, or even created recently, but it must fulfil the theme of ‘Representations of People’.
In the week commencing 26 August, we will contact those picked for display and arrange a date for delivery at the Museum. Fifty works will be selected for display. If selected, we will require the artwork to be delivered to the museum no later than Monday 9 September.
Exhibition
The 50 best pieces will be selected for a stunning and eclectic exhibition at the Museum from Saturday 21 September to Thursday 31 October. From these, three prize winners will be selected.
Selection 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.
What we can and cannot accept
We accept most media, but will not be able to consider anything that:
- requires electrical equipment such as audiovisual equipment or power
- needs preparation or activation by staff
- includes organic material due to pest risk
- cannot be moved by two people.
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 be related to the theme.
Sculpture
We will consider sculpture. However, it must not exceed five kg in weight, and cannot be more than one 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 unsafe, it will be declined. All works must be capable of being moved by no more than two people.
Wall-mounted artwork
Due to space restrictions, artwork larger than 1-metre square is unlikely to be accepted. Work must be capable of being moved by no more than two people.
Installation
Qualified and experienced museum staff will install the works. However, they must be delivered ready to be installed. We require that, where necessary, the sculpture comes with its own stand or mount, and wall-mounted artworks are prepared with suitable mirror plates.
Insurance
We cannot insure any items and will not compensate artists if any works are damaged or stolen during the exhibition.
The purpose-built exhibition space is monitored by CCTV and is periodically patrolled by staff. At night it is locked with steel shutters and monitored with a security and fire alarm system.
Can I sell my artwork at the exhibition?
We cannot process sales, but we are happy to include contact details and prices on your label. If sold, artworks are not to be removed until after the exhibition concludes on Thursday 31 October.
How to enter
Use this form to submit your entry by 9am, Monday 12 August 2024. No submissions will be considered after the deadline.
If the artist is aged between 11 – 17 years of age, the application must be completed by a parent or guardian
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