The Cooper Prize 2023

The Cooper Prize 2023

The Cooper Prize, formerly known as South Yorkshire Open Art Competition, is open to artists who are born, live or work in South Yorkshire and aims to reward and celebrate excellence and originality in mixed media.

Artists are invited to submit up to 3 pieces of artwork, whether it be abstract, figurative, contemporary or traditional where the very best will be selected to form part of an exhibition at Cooper Gallery, Barnsley.

The competition is open to professional, amateur or student artists.

Prizes:

The Cooper Prize - Main Prize

• £1000, Sponsored by Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire 
• Solo Exhibition in Sadler Room 2024
• Main gallery group exhibition with Cooper Prize Finalists

The Sadler Award - Emerging Artist

Open to any student or graduate that has graduated within the past 2 years

• £500 Sponsored by the Mayor of Barnsley
• Main gallery group exhibition with Cooper Prize Finalists

Including

Barnsley College Special Award for Originality and Skills

Judged by Liz Leek, Deputy Principal Culture, Place & Communities, Barnsley College

£100

The Fox Gift - Artists under 16, Free to enter

Under 16s category

• £100 vouchers to spend on Artist Materials
• Main gallery group exhibition with Cooper Prize Finalists

Peoples Choice - sponsored by Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust                                                                                                         

• Certificate
• Hamper of artists supplies 

Judges

• Kate Brindley, SYMCA Project Director of Arts, Culture & Heritage
• Andrew Dunkley, In House -Tate Photographer
• David Sinclair, Director of Programme, Nottingham New Art Exchange
• Fiona Stephenson, DC Comic Illustrator, Pop Artist & Local Business Woman

Throughout the exhibition there will be a chance for visitors to vote for their favourite piece.

The artist who receives the most votes will win

Submissions are open from Saturday, 25 March and close on Tuesday, 29 August.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE

Artists are invited to submit up to 3 images digitally. If selected there will an opprtunity for judges to view the work physically.

Artists can enter online. If artists are unable to enter online please contact coopergallery@barnsley.gov.uk  for further details.

Artists are required to submit the following:

• The completed online entry form
• Images of up to 3 recent works, in digital format (jpg, max. 2MB file size)
• A non-refundable application fee

Following the selection process, all artists will be notified.  

The panel will select approximately 80 works to be put forward for final judging and to be included in the Cooper Prize 23 exhibition.

Artists selected for the final exhibition will be contacted by email around 2 October 23  by member of the curatorial team with full delivery details for their work. Artists who have not heard by this date may contact coopergallery@barnsley.gov.uk

ENTRY FEES  Artists may only enter once, with a maximum of 3 images.

GENERAL ADMISSION:    £10 per artist non refundable fee 

EMERGING ARTIST:          £5 per artist non refundable fee 

Open to any student or graduate that has graduated within the past 2 years

JUNIOR PRIZE:                 Free to enter 

Under 16s category

Please note that if you decide not to upload any works or fail to complete your application before the deadline refunds will not be given.