Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) 2026 - Site-Specific Installation

Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is an international competition showcasing innovative visual art across all genres. Open to artists worldwide, WAC offers a unique opportunity to exhibit in the magnificent setting of Wells Cathedral—the first Gothic cathedral in England. Site-Specific Installations: Up to twenty artists will be offered the opportunity to create site-specific works to respond to one of 26 available locations within the cathedral's interior or grounds. The 2026 theme for site-specific Installations is “Time”. Proposals that work with the theme will be favoured. “For what then is time? If no one asks me, I know; if I wish to explain it to one that asks, I know not.” (St Augustine 354 - 430 AD) Submission Guidelines: Artists based in the UK or internationally who are over the age of 18 by the deadline are invited to apply. You may enter up to 4 works. Entry Fee: £30 GBP (approx. $63 NZD) per work. Your submission must include: Which of the available sites you would like to use. How your installation will respond to that specific site. An outline of how your work responds to the theme of "Time". An image, sketch/drawing, or photo (max 5MB) of your proposed idea, plus up to 4 additional supporting images. The title, medium, and dimensions of the whole artwork. The selling price of the whole artwork. (Note: WAC takes a 45% commission on sales. Installations can only be listed for sale as a whole; individual pieces of an installation cannot be sold separately). Important Logistics: It is the responsibility of the artist and any assistants they bring to complete the installation and take-down of their work themselves. Artists are responsible for insuring their work while it is on display. Prizes: All entries will be considered by a prestigious panel of selectors. Artists will have the chance to win a wide range of prizes, including cash awards, residencies, and mentoring.