News Maidstone Museum launches Young Artist Award 2024

Maidstone Museum is calling on local artists aged 25 and under to pick up their pens, pencils and paintbrushes for the chance to win up to £250 in the Maidstone Young Artist Award 2024.

Young people in the age categories 14 years and under, and 15 -25 based in the south east are invited to submit a piece of artwork with the theme ‘Metamorphosis (Changes)’ before the 24 November deadline. Winning entrants will not only receive a cash-prize but will also see their work displayed at the temporary exhibition galleries at the County Town’s Museum. The winner of the 15-25 years category will also be invited to sit on the judging panel for the 2026 awards.

What’s more, to help as many artists as possible take advantage of this opportunity, Maidstone Museum is offering assistance with the £10 per artwork entry fee and/or arts materials from The Arts Society Mid Kent.

The selection panel will meet in November 2023 to draw up a shortlist of artworks for display in the exhibition and the team of judges will select and announce the winners at a special preview evening.

Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts, Cllr Claudine Russell comments:

Encouraging young artists and giving them a platform to showcase their work is so important for supporting the stars of the future and promoting a thriving arts culture.

This Maidstone Young Artist Award 2024 is a fantastic opportunity for creative young people to really show what they can do and share their gift more widely. We want to avoid any amazing talent slipping through the net which is why we’re helping to remove any barriers to entry by offering funding towards the entry fee and/or materials for those who need it.

We’ve seen some stunning entries in the past and cannot wait to see what this year’s has in store.

Maidstone Young Artist Award details and entry criteria:

Deadline for entries is Friday 24 November 2023.

Entry fee is £10 per artwork.

Entrants must be 14 years and under or 15 – 25 years old on 1 September 2023 for consideration in those categories.

Download an entry form here.

Prizes 15-25 years old:

1^st Prize - £250
Runner up - £100

14 years old and under:

1^st Prize - £250
Runner up - £100

The Visitors’ Vote
Visitors to the exhibition are given the chance to vote for their favourite artwork. The piece with the most votes wins ‘The Visitors’ Vote’.
The winning artist will have the opportunity to exhibit their artworks at the Museum during 2024/25.

Funding applications

Application forms for funding can be downloaded here and the deadline is 31 October 2023.

---