Eligibility

Any artist aged 18 or over may enter, from anywhere in the world.

Artists may enter a maximum of six works each, from which up to three works per artist may be selected.

The combined total of the longest dimension of each painting accepted will not exceed 244 cm (8 feet) maximum per artist.

Artists must submit work that has been completed within the last three years and must not have been previously exhibited at Mall Galleries.

Submitted artworks must not be submitted to other competitions or exhibitions taking place between 8 June and 15 December 2026.

Works should be no larger than 240 cm along the longest dimension.

All works must be an original creation by the artist.

Subject matter:

Artists may submit work on any subject matter.

There is a special theme each year, which can be interpreted widely. For 2026, artists are encouraged to contribute a work on the theme 'Winter Rituals' - however it is not compulsory. If a work is on the theme, please say so in the artwork description box when applying.

Acceptable media:

Oils. The ROI promotes and exhibits work of the highest standard in oil paint.

Water-mixable oil paint is acceptable if framed as an oil, so as not to spoil the general appearance of the exhibition.

Acrylic is not accepted.

Submission Fee

There is a non-refundable submission fee of £22 per work, or £14.50 per work for artists aged 35 or under.

The submission fee includes free admission to the exhibition (normally £7).

Submission fees support the not-for-profit programme at Mall Galleries. The gallery is home to visual arts charity, the Federation of British Artists (Registered Charity Number 200048).

We have partnered with the Visual Artists Association to offer a Free Artist Resource Pack to all entrants. This includes 'The Artist's Guide to Selling Art on Instagram’ (PDF) and 'Instagram for Art Careers’ (Video Masterclass). Entrants will receive instructions to download the Artist Resource Pack upon notification of selection.

Presentation

Artists are encouraged to frame their work. Unframed work may be accepted if on a well-presented box canvas. 

Wide mounts between the painting and frame, as in watercolours, are not acceptable. 

Picture glass is not encouraged.

Frames or stretchers should be sufficiently substantial to withstand mirror plating with 12mm (size 6) screws.

Artists are advised to use plain, simple framing in a light or medium colour. 

Metal frames, unprotected glass edges and clip frames are inadmissible. 

Please remove all fittings and fixings from the back of frames, for example D-rings and picture wire. This is to prevent damage to other works, and because we will mirror-plate works for hanging. 

Delivery & Collection

Works should be delivered and collected on the specified receiving and collection days via the gallery's rear entrance at Mall Galleries, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD. 

If you are unable to deliver or collect your work, you may send another person on your behalf – this may include an art courier (see below).

Artists are responsible for the costs of delivery and collection.

Delivery:

Paintings should be completely dry at the time of delivery. 

Works should be delivered unwrapped with the relevant form and labels, which are downloadable upon notification of selection.

All packaging must be taken away at the point of delivery. 

Collection:

We are unable to wrap works or provide wrapping for works being returned. 

Any uncollected works will be removed from the gallery after the collection day and stored by an independent courier company at the artist's expense. 

If works are not collected within 12 months of the collection day, the gallery will be entitled to destroy, sell, or otherwise dispose of the works without consent, prior notification, or compensation to the artist. 

Art Couriers:

Below is a list of art couriers by region: 

• London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Bristol

Art Moves of Chelsea
artmoveschelsea@aol.com
020 7352 7492

• Scotland, the North of England and Birmingham 

Picture Post Art
info@picturepostcompany.co.uk
07833 450788

Picture Post Art receive artwork for delivery to UK galleries: “handing in” unwrapped and storing packaging free of charge for reuse if required.

• Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset

3 Lanes Transport
info@3lanes.com
01736 799298 / 07970 948324

• Leicester, Loughborough, Coventry, Birmingham and Nottingham

JD Art Transport
jdarttransport@gmail.com
07825 339787

• Norfolk and Suffolk 

A S Elvin Transport Ltd
bernadette@elvingroup.co.uk
01502 677025

• Nationwide

Aardvark Art Services
01253 794673

• Wales

Mid Wales Freight
enquiries@midwalesfreight.co.uk
07866 731400 / 01974 282500

International Artists:

Many international artists use Picture Post Art to transport their work to and from Mall Galleries.

Picture Post Art arrange for the shipping of work from the artist's country to the UK, help artists to correctly fill out paperwork from customs, and store packaging for reuse if required. 

Picture Post Art
info@picturepostcompany.co.uk
+ 44 7833 450788

Please note that we do not accept liability for the services of any art courier.

Selection

The works for exhibition are selected by a committee formed of members of the Institute. 

If selected works arrive damaged, with unacceptable framing, size discrepancies from the original submission, or not as shown online, these will be withdrawn and work will need to be collected from Mall Galleries by the artist at their expense.

The decision of the Selection Committee is final and we are unable to offer feedback.

Prize winning works are selected in time for the awards ceremony during the Private View, prior to the exhibition opening to the public.

Sales

All work must be for sale.

Once work has been submitted, any sale made by the gallery before or during the course of the exhibition up to and including the collection day shall take precedence and supersede one made privately. Any private sale made in this period will incur the normal commission. 

There is a minimum price per work of £500.

Unless otherwise advised, the gallery will charge a commission on the total price paid for works, including commissioned works, before, during, or as a result of the exhibition. 

The price submitted should be the selling price, which should include commission, and is the price at which the work will be sold.

The price of works must include commission of 45% +VAT. If an artist is registered for VAT, then the VAT due on the selling price of works should be included in the price submitted. 

Mall Galleries reserves the right to query the price of works. 

The price of works may only be changed by written agreement between the artist and Mall Galleries. 

You will be notified by Mall Galleries if your work sells. 

International Artists:

Artists who are not resident in the UK but are resident in the EU or elsewhere are welcome to submit work.

Artists without a UK residence are classified as NETPs (Non-Established Taxable Persons) and must register with HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) for a UK VAT number in order for their work to be included in the exhibition. If selected for the exhibition, you must supply us with your UK VAT number (or proof of application) before the Receiving Day, otherwise your work may be withdrawn. We will be unable to issue payment for any sales of work by artists classified as NETPs until a UK VAT number is supplied.

More information about UK VAT registration can be found under Section 9 at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-7001-should-i-be-registered-for-vat/vat-notice-7001-should-i-be-registered-for-vat

If you have any questions, please contact HMRC directly on their VAT Helpline on Telephone 0300 200 3701, or, if calling from abroad, +44 2920 501 261.

Please note: the registration process can take up to 4 weeks so please allow enough time to register.

Personal Data

The gallery will hold personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, the gallery may provide third parties with an artist's contact details in the course of administering exhibitions, commissions and prizes.

The gallery has the right to reproduce works in connection with the exhibition. 

The copyright and all other intellectual property rights will remain with the artist. If any rights are owned by a third party, that third party will remain the owner. 

Liability

The gallery is not responsible for any loss of, or any damage to, works entrusted to them. All goods are at the artist owner's risk absolutely and the gallery and/or their agents exclude all liability to the maximum extent permitted by law. The galleries are used for various purposes and so artists are advised to insure their works against all risks. 

The gallery endeavours to take good care of works sent for exhibition, but in the event of a work sent being lost, destroyed or damaged, the gallery's liability (if any) shall not exceed the value of the work as stated at the time of submission (less 45% plus VAT) or any altered price subsequently. 

In the event of any dispute regarding loss or damage, the dispute shall be referred for final arbitration to an independent expert valuer to be chosen by agreement between the parties, provided that the arbitrator's award shall not exceed the gallery's maximum liability as above. 

Artists shall indemnify and keep indemnified the gallery against any actions between the artist and any third party. 

Help

If you require support with your application, please contact:

exhibitions@mallgalleries.com

Please Note: The above terms and conditions are provided by the exhibition organisers.

For terms and conditions which apply to the use of the OESS entry system please view below:
OESS Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

GENERAL INFORMATION
The exhibition will be held at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham, Cheshire

Castle Park Arts Centre is set in the heart of Cheshire and is home to five art gallery spaces with a vibrant annual exhibition programme with a well established community of artists and art lovers. Being one of the largest art gallery spaces in Cheshire it has attracted artists both regionally and nationally. The centre hosts a number of community centred events including arts and craft workshops, music, gardening, and other cultural and wellbeing events with its cafe providing a social hub for the local community and surrounding areas.

For more information about our art galleries please see here

PRIZES & AWARDS 

All award winners will receive a certificate award and token award with a cash prize for Best in Show. 

CASH PRIZE £250 for Best in Show Award - nominated by a panel of three Judges who are all practicing artists from different disciplines

Highly Commended Awards - nominated by each individual Judge 

Business Award - nominated by a Business Judge 

Young Artist Award (under 18’s) - nominated by the Arts Committee Selection Panel
 

ELIGIBILITY
Submissions of work are invited from both amateur & professional artists of all ages

Maximum size permitted for entry is up to 1m square

All works must be original and have been made by the entrant within the past 3 years. Entered works should not contravene any copyright laws.

No reproductions or Giclee prints (except for photography).

ALL artworks must NOT have been exhibited at Castle Park Arts Centre BEFORE and must be FOR SALE

SELECTION PROCESS

All works are subject to a two phase selection process, the first a pre-selection phase before handing in, the second final selection after work has been handed in. Artists will be notified to collect any unselected works after handing in to arrange collection.

To check the status of selection of your works please log in and check when you receive your notification emails at each stage. These notifications should be sent to you by the dates shown above.

PRESENTATION OF WORK 

1. Mirror plates must be attached halfway down on both sides of work before handing in work. These must be attached flush with the back of the work to ensure secure fixing to the wall. There should be no protrusions at the back of the work that would prevent it from sitting flush with the wall e.g. canvases and backing boards must be flush with the back edge of the frame
2. Alternative hanging, or presentation of work must be approved with the gallery prior to submitting an entry and noted with your application. Kindly contact the Charity Manager prior to entering your work to ensure suitable hanging arrangements can be accommodated.
3. Frames must be clean, sturdy, safe and secure. No clip frames, string, wire, hooks, sharp edges, or loose parts are permitted.
4. Two labels with your name, title and price of the work should be attached to the work. One label must be stuck on the back of the work (which can be downloaded and printed off by logging into the system after first pre-selection is completed), the 2nd a luggage-type label, must be tied to a string attached to the back and long enough to hang over the front of the work. The information on the labels must match the details on your entry form  A copy of your entry form can also be downloaded and printed off by logging into the system after first pre-selection is completed which will list the works shortlisted for the exhibition.
5. In the case of 3D works or works that require specific hanging / display / curation considerations e.g. fragile, items will be displayed in a cabinet or on a plinth or shelf etc. This applies to all works that require special hanging arrangements i.e. where mirror plates cannot be affixed to work. Kindly add a note on the back of the attached label or note attached with the work with any special instructions for the curator. If works require display on a stand, mannequin or other type of display, then these must be provided by the artist and delivered alongside the work with instructions and/or a photo for how the work should be displayed.

PHOTOGRAPHING WORK FOR ENTRY – ADVICE FOR ENTRANTS

Images of work entered will be used for selection, promotion and the online gallery. All photos of work entered must be high quality images in JPEG format. Photographs of work entered should:

1. Exclude any frames or mounts.
2. If necessary should be cropped and straightened.
3. 3D works should ideally exclude any background items or photographed against a plain white background which makes for better presentation
4. Ensure correct orientation of the images before being uploaded

PRICING

Work selected for exhibition will be expected to be for sale. Commission is charged at 30% by the gallery. It will be assumed that the sale price includes the cost of any frame and our commission. Please allow for these points when pricing your work. Prices should include VAT if applicable. The gallery doesn't deduct any VAT from commission due from art sales. Artists are responsible for their own VAT. Prices cannot be altered once your application has been submitted.
 

COMMUNICATIONS
All communication will be by email or via the online login process. Applicants will be required to login to see if they have been pre-selected and will be asked to download and print their application details to be delivered with the artwork. Failure to do so could result in work being withdrawn from the exhibition. 
 

SELECTION
The Selection Committee will select the works for the exhibition. The Selectors will consider all correctly completed submissions. Please ensure all images of work uploaded for the selection process are of good quality. The decision of the Selectors on all matters is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
 

INSURANCE
Artworks are insured up to 11th January 2027 by the gallery. There is a maximum insurance value of up to £2000.00. Artists are responsible for insuring their own work if above this insurance value. Anyone wishing to exhibit items above this value do so at their own risk. No responsibility will be taken by the gallery for damage to unselected or unsold works that have not been collected on the dates specified. All entrants are advised to have their own insurance for their artworks.

DELIVERY & COLLECTION
Artists are responsible for the delivery and collection of their work at the Gallery. All packaging materials must be removed after delivery (no gallery storage is available for this) and brought back at collection.

1. All selected works must be delivered on the specified Handing in Days. Please notify the gallery if there are any special arrangements for delivery or collection of work. Only accepted works may be delivered, no substitutes allowed
2. All work is to be unwrapped and ready to hang, complete with mirror plates. All packaging must be taken away.
3. All unselected or unsold works must be collected on the collection days or as advised by the gallery. Any uncollected work will only be stored for a maximum of 3 months. After this the gallery reserves the right to dispose of the artwork in whatever manner the gallery sees fit.
4. Any exceptions to these conditions must be approved by the Gallery before submitting your entry

DELIVERY/COLLECTION BY COURIER

If you choose to deliver and collect your work by courier, kindly ensure:

1. All works are delivered and collected during the centre opening times Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4pm, before the end of the handing in dates and collected within 1 month on or after Tuesday 11th January. Works arriving or being collected outside of these dates or times may not be accepted or available for collection as there will be no one at the centre to handle the delivery or collection of the work.
2. Tracked or recorded delivery is recommended to ensure works are accurately delivered and received. The centre takes no responsibility for works that are not sent by recorded or tracked delivery.
3. Works must be packaged appropriately to ensure low risk of damage. Works damaged during transit will not be accepted for selection/hanging. The artist will be notified if works arrive damaged to make arrangements for the immediate collection of the damaged work by courier.
4. Arrangements for the collection of works by courier must be communicated to the centre at least 48 hours before the arranged collection during opening hours. Works will be packaged into the original packaging for collection by courier on or after Tuesday 11th January during the centre opening hours using a pre-paid label. The centre will not return works by courier where couriered works have not been pre-paid by the artist and take no responsibility for collections arranged outside of opening hours.

SALES OF WORK & ONLINE GALLERY

it should be noted that works in this exhibition will also be sold online from an online gallery. The sale of all works from the exhibition will be managed by the gallery. Entrants will be notified if their work has been sold during the exhibition. We encourage successful entrants to share links to their works from the online gallery after final selection is completed. Exhibitors must remove or prohibit selected works for sale by other means during the exhibition e.g. from artist own online galleries, websites, social media etc.

PAYMENT OF SALES:

Payment of sales is within 4 - 6 weeks after the exhibition has finished, provided the purchaser has paid in full by this point. Any unpaid or uncollected works by a buyer will be returned to the artist after this period unless alternative arrangements have been made with the buyer. In this case, the artist will be informed by the gallery.

HOW TO APPLY 

1. Complete the entry form answering all questions correctly and accurately. Please note no information or prices can be changed after the entry has been accepted. Also, incorrect or incomplete information could invalidate your entry.
2. Entrants must provide high quality JPEG images of each artwork being entered. Each image file provided must be named with your name, the title & artwork size in cm as stated on the entry form e.g. <SURNAME_FIRSTNAME>_<Title>_<Size>.jpg e.g. “SMITH_ANN_Artwork1_50x50.jpg”. Please note that surname and first name must be in the order shown and in capitals. Applications cannot be accepted without suitable images of the entered artwork. Please ensure that photos are of a decent quality so that details of the work are clear, as these are used for the first selection round and online gallery.
3. Payment for each entry of £10 per artwork (£30 for 3 entries) or for under 18’s £5.00 per artwork (£15 for 3 entries) can be made with the online application entry form. All entry fees must be paid prior to the application deadline.

For those who require additional assistance with completing your online entry, we are offering the following drop in session:

Saturday 3rd October 10am to 12:30pm

You will be required to bring or have available digital photographs of your pieces being entered and also card details to complete payment for entry.

If you still require further assistance, please contact arts@castleparkarts.co.uk.

When applying, please read all information and questions carefully and ensure all information requested is completed correctly and accurately before submitting the form as changes cannot be made after the form has been submitted for entry. Please note that incorrect or incomplete information or poor-quality images of the work could invalidate your entry.

AGREEMENT

By submitting to the exhibition you are deemed to accept and agree to the following:

1. The decision of the Selectors on all matters Is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
2. I understand that The Organisers reserve the right to make such changes to the exhibition arrangements and these Terms & Conditions as may be deemed necessary by circumstances.
3. I authorise The Organisers To process, store, and utilise the data in my submission and agree that, if selected for exhibition, images of my work can be freely used by The Organisers, The Gallery and associated organisations for promotional and publicity purposes.
4. All information provided by me is true and accurate and that the work submitted is wholly of my own creation and does not contravene any copyright laws
5. I have read and understood these terms and conditions and by submitting this application I accept and agree to observe all the Terms And Conditions therein.

Any queries relating to T&C? Please contact the Charity Manager at 

arts@castleparkarts.co.uk

Please Note: The above terms and conditions are provided by the exhibition organisers.

For terms and conditions which apply to the use of the OESS entry system please view below:
OESS Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy