The Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Prize returns for its second year, celebrating the breadth, quality and vitality of contemporary art across the UK.

Following the success of our inaugural prize in 2026, we are delighted to announce the second Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Prize -  providing another exciting opportunity for artists to showcase their work, gain wider recognition and exhibit within a professionally curated gallery setting.

The prize is open to UK-based artists aged 18 and over, working across Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Collage.

Artists are invited to submit work for consideration, with selected pieces forming part of a curated group exhibition at Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Gallery in Plymouth.

This is a juried opportunity. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, with selected artists invited to exhibit their work in our physical gallery space. From the final exhibition, our judges will also select the recipients of the Peirson & Peirson Art Prize awards.

Following an exciting first year, we are looking forward to building on the success of the inaugural prize and once again bringing together an exceptional selection of contemporary artists from across the UK.

About Peirson & Peirson
Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Gallery has been curating exhibitions since 2006 and is proud to represent and work alongside a large and diverse range of artists.

Located in the vibrant Hyde Park area of Plymouth, the gallery is surrounded by independent businesses, cafés and boutiques and is within walking distance of Plymouth city centre, the railway station and The Box, Plymouth's award-winning museum.

Our programme of exhibitions and private view events regularly welcomes collectors, artists, art enthusiasts and buyers, providing valuable exposure and sales opportunities for exhibiting artists.

What Selected Artists Receive

• The opportunity to exhibit in a professionally curated physical group exhibition.
• Promotion across Peirson & Peirson's Instagram and Facebook platforms.
• Inclusion within our mailing-list, reaching more than 1,000 clients and collectors.
• Participation in a private view attended by collectors, buyers, local press and members of the creative community
• The opportunity to sell exhibited work during the exhibition (The gallery retains a 40% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibition.)
• Artist payments made within one month of completed sales.
• The opportunity to have their work considered for one of the Peirson & Peirson Art Prize awards.
• Prize winners will become part of the continuing history of the award and will be invited to return every three years to take part in a special Peirson & Peirson Winners Exhibition, bringing together prize winners from across previous years.

 
The gallery retains a 40% commission on all artwork sold during the exhibition.

How to Apply
Applications should be made via CuratorSpace by completing the 'Make a Submission' form.

Submission Guidelines

• All entries must be original works of art created within the last two years.
• Maximum artwork size: 80 x 60cm, including frame.
• Artists may submit up to three works at £20 per submission.
• Images must be submitted in JPEG format.
• Artists should provide a short supporting artist statement of no more than 150 words.
• Accepted mediums: Drawing, Printmaking, Painting and Collage.
• All selected works must be ready to hang with D-rings and picture chord. Pieces that dont fit these requirements will not be used in the exhibition. 
• All submitted selling prices must include the gallery's 40% commission.

Entry Fee

• £20 per submission

Important Dates

• Entries open: 31st October 2026
• Deadline for submissions: 31st March 2027
• Exhibition selection notification: 12th April 2027 
• Deliver to gallery by: 10th May 2027
• Private view: 12th June 2027 - 2-4pm
• Exhibition ends: 24th July 2027
• Collection: 7th August 2027

Judging & Prizes
A panel of respected artists and arts professionals will select the works to be included within the exhibition and choose the recipients of the Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Prize awards.

In addition to their individual awards, all prize winners will be invited to return every three years to exhibit as part of a dedicated Peirson & Peirson Winners Exhibition. These exhibitions will bring together award recipients from across different years, creating an ongoing platform for past winners to reconnect with the gallery, present new work and become part of the continuing legacy of the prize.

Venue
Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Gallery
83 Hyde Park Road
Plymouth
PL3 4JN

If you have any questions regarding the prize or application process, please contact us via the Contact Curator tab.

The Peirson & Peirson Contemporary Art Prize was created to celebrate outstanding contemporary art while providing artists with meaningful opportunities for exhibition, recognition and connection.

After an exciting inaugural year, we are delighted to return for 2027 and look forward to discovering another exceptional group of artists from across the UK.