National Open Art Competition announces shortlist as World Art Vote opens

​Image: Leaving Europe 2, shortlisted for this year's National Open Art Competition
 

National Open Art Competition announces shortlist as World Art Vote opens

• Refugees and Brexit feature heavily in shortlisted pieces
• More than 11,000 votes cast in #worldartvote in six days
• Art lovers have until 29 August to vote for their favourite

The 20th National Open Art Competition has been overwhelmed by the response to its shortlist after its World Art Vote saw more than 11,000 votes cast in six days.

NOA's World Art Vote enables art lovers to decide which shortlisted piece deserves a place in NOA’s prestigious Winter Exhibition, thus avoiding a second round of judging from the competition's panel led by David Remfry, Robin Muir and the Tate’s Fiona Kingsman.

Brexit, the refugee crisis and the death of David Bowie have all proved inspiration for artists on the 585-strong shortlist, which is made up of professionals and amateurs from across the UK and Ireland.  

The competition’s mix is eclectic as ever with a part time shepherdess, a full time mum, a painter/decorator and a Labour candidate all making it through the first round. Entrants will remain anonymous until the exhibitors are selected to give all artists as fair a chance as possible. 

Neil Lawson Baker, chair of NOA, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the response to this year’s shortlist, thousands of votes have already been cast in the World Art Vote, with weeks of voting left to go. Our 20th competition seems to have really caught people’s imagination.”

The winner of the World Art Vote will be revealed in September alongside around 150 pieces selected by the judges. The final artworks will appear at NOA’s Winter Exhibition at Mercers’ Hall in October where around 35 winners will be announced and £60,000 worth of prizes awarded. 

The World Art Vote is open until 29 August. To vote, visit www.nationalopenart.org

ENDS 

The NOA Winter Exhibition will take place at Mercers’ Hall between 27 October and 4 November. Admission is free.
 

The World Art Vote is sponsored by MS Amlin, a global speciality commercial insurer and reinsurer operating in the Lloyd’s, UK, Continental European and Bermudian markets. Wholly owed by MS&AD of Japan and with its origins in the Lloyd’s market, MS Amlin’s successful underwriting formula incorporates a dynamic approach to risk through empowered and skilled people and a diverse global portfolio.