How to Apply

The Secret Art Prize welcomes submissions from visual artists working across urban, surreal, and contemporary genres. To enter, you must provide your artwork details and personal information through the application process. Curious Duke Gallery reviews each submission carefully.

Categories accepted include drawing, painting, print making, mixed media, and photography. Artists are encouraged to push boundaries into new mediums and subjects.

Required Information

The Secret Art Prize offers a unique opportunity for visual artists working across urban, surreal, and contemporary genres to gain recognition and exposure. Founded with the mission to stay curious, this award encourages artists to push creative boundaries and explore new mediums. Unlike traditional competitions that favour established names, this prize welcomes emerging and mid-career artists alike, valuing originality and bold experimentation. Each submission is carefully reviewed by a dedicated panel, ensuring that every artist receives thoughtful consideration. The prize celebrates diversity in artistic expression, from street-inspired works to dreamlike compositions, creating an inclusive platform where unconventional voices can shine and connect with a wider audience.

Submitting an application is a straightforward process designed to put the focus where it belongs: on the artwork itself. Artists are asked to provide their real name along with any professional artist name they use, ensuring clear attribution. The required information includes details about the submitted pieces, such as medium, dimensions, and a brief artistic statement. Curious Duke Gallery reviews each entry with attention to the artist's vision and technical execution. Accepted categories span drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, and photography, allowing practitioners from diverse backgrounds to participate. The application portal remains open for a defined period each year, giving artists ample time to prepare their strongest work.

Curious Duke Gallery, the driving force behind this prize, has long been known for championing unconventional and progressive art. Based in London, the gallery has cultivated a reputation for showcasing works that challenge traditional boundaries and speak to contemporary urban culture. The gallery's commitment to supporting artists extends beyond the competition itself, with winners often receiving mentoring opportunities and professional guidance. This relationship between the gallery and selected artists fosters long-term creative development rather than a one-time transaction. The gallery's curatorial approach favours bold imagery, narrative depth, and technical skill, ensuring that the prize maintains high standards while remaining accessible to truly original talent.

Winners and runners-up of the Secret Art Prize gain valuable exposure through digital features, social media spotlights, and inclusion in curated exhibitions. The prize is designed to amplify artists' visibility within the contemporary art world, connecting them with collectors, gallerists, and fellow creators. Beyond the cash award, recipients often find that the credibility and network access provided by the prize open doors to future opportunities. Shortlisted artists also benefit from the exposure, as their work is presented to a discerning audience of art enthusiasts and industry professionals. This ripple effect can lead to gallery representation, commission offers, and increased sales for participating artists at every stage of the competition.

The art community surrounding the Secret Art Prize is built on a shared curiosity and a passion for visual storytelling. Artists from around the world submit their work, creating a rich tapestry of styles and perspectives that reflect the global contemporary art landscape. The prize fosters dialogue between creators and audiences, encouraging viewers to engage with art that might otherwise remain unseen. Social media plays an important role in this ecosystem, allowing artists to share their journey and build followings beyond traditional gallery walls. This community-oriented approach transforms the competition from a simple award into a vibrant network where artists support one another, exchange ideas, and celebrate the power of visual expression.

Application Fee

The application fee is £15.00 per artwork. This fee is non-refundable. Payment is processed via PayPal. Ensure your PayPal email address is correctly entered during submission.

Terms & Conditions

By submitting an application, you agree to the terms and conditions of The Secret Art Prize. Curious Duke Gallery reserves the right to reject any application at its discretion. All submitted information must be accurate and truthful.

For full eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, please refer to the FAQs page.