The 12th Dorset Art Prize 2026 is officially open!
We are back to champion the incredible creative talent across our county. Founded by Bournemouth and Poole College in partnership with the Dorset Community Foundation, this prize celebrates imagination in every form.
The Dorset Art Prize 2026
This year, we are proud to partner with the outstanding Poole Museum where finalists will have their work exhibited, offering a fantastic platform to showcase your talent.
The Theme: Metamorphosis
We are looking for your interpretation of 'Metamorphosis'. Whether you are an amateur or a professional and work in fine art, photography, digital art, film, animation or sculpture, we want to see it.
Entry is free, the top prize is £1,000 and finalists earn a spot in a public exhibition at Poole Museum.
Deadline for final submissions: Midnight, Sunday 14 June 2026.
Bournemouth & Poole College are delighted to welcome entries for the Dorset Art Prize in the following categories:
This category is open to all submissions from young artists aged between the ages of 16 and 18 on the date of submission.
The Dorset Art Prize is only open to submissions from people who live in Dorset.
All entries are online and should be submitted on the Dorset Art Prize portal on the Bournemouth and Poole College website. More than one photograph may be submitted to support the entry of 3D submissions.
1st Prize £1,000 2nd Prize £500 3rd Prize £250
Open to all adults over 18 on the date of submission.
The Dorset Art Prize is only open to submissions from people who live in Dorset.
All entries are online and should be submitted on the Dorset Art Prize portal on the Bournemouth and Poole College website. More than one photograph may be submitted to support the entry of 3D submissions.
1st Prize £1,000 2nd Prize £500 3rd Prize £250
Prize closes for final submissions: Sunday 14th June - 12:00 (midnight)
Supported by BCP Council and The Dorset Chamber.