Prize Exhibition FAQs
Get in touch if you can’t find the answer to your question: info@newlight-art.org.uk
Am I Northern?
Our entry criteria states that you must either have been born in, OR currently live in, OR have completed a degree in an arts-based subject in the North of England: Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland or Yorkshire & Humber.
However, if you were NOT born, NOR currently live, NOR completed an arts degree in one of the above counties BUT you have spent the majority of your life living in the North of England and consider yourself to be Northern, we are happy to allow it. Please note that if you are selected as a Prize-winner, we will need to see some sort of proof of your eligibility. Get in touch if you need clarification on this point.
For government and statistical purposes, the North of England is defined as the area covered by the three statistical regions of England – North East England, North West England and Yorkshire and the Humber. This area consists of the ceremonial counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, County Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear and West Yorkshire, plus the unitary authority areas of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.
I live in The Wirral/Cleveland/Tyne & Wear…Can I be included?
Yes all these areas are already included. Unfortunately, the way ‘counties’ are defined can be confusing. Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire & The Humber cover the whole of the North of England.
As an example, The Wirral is a Borough of Merseyside, which in turn is a ceremonial county within the authorities of Lancashire and Cheshire. Therefore, if you live in Birkenhead (The Wirral) you do live within the county of Cheshire.
I live in Derbyshire and consider myself to be Northern – why can’t I enter?
We have to draw the line somewhere. We have always tried to be as fair as possible in defining what the North of England is (see above) but we are always reviewing our entry criteria and welcome feedback and comments from everyone.
How do I register to enter?
You can register by clicking on the SIGN IN/REGISTER link at the top of the webpage. Once you have filled in your email and created a username, you can then edit your profile and start uploading artworks. In order to login to your account, you will need to create a password – instructions will be automatically emailed to you once you have registered.
I cannot see where to submit artworks
You will only be able to see SUBMIT AN ARTWORK in the menu if you are signed in. Register first and then you should be able to see the link.
I can’t sign in – what am I doing wrong?
Make sure you are registered first – the link SIGN IN/REGISTER can be found at the top of the page, above the menu. An email will be sent to you automatically asking you to set up a password. You will need the Username and password you created to login to your account and to submit artworks.
How many artworks can I enter?
You can enter just one artwork or as many as 100! But the judges will only select a maximum of three per artist.
Is there a size restriction on artworks?
Yes, due to space restrictions at some galleries, we cannot allow any artworks larger than 175 cm wide/high. If you are entering 3D work, it cannot protrude more than 25cm from the wall. All work must be able to be hung from a wall using mirror-plates (unless otherwise agreed with the New Light team and the galleries).
Can I use a power source?
No, because we tour to 5 different galleries, it would be impossible to guarantee a suitable power supply at each venue.
Can I enter a photograph?
No, we currently do not accept photography.
I am a previous prize-winner, can I still enter?
Yes! We’d love to see you again!
I am only just starting out as an artist, should I enter?
Yes! We’d love to see your work and help you on your creative journey.
I have previously entered but not been shortlisted, is it worth entering again?
Yes! Every Prize Exhibition is judged by a different panel of art experts and therefore will have their own personal set of criteria they are looking for.
What do I get for my entry fee?
If you are shortlisted, your artwork will be exhibited throughout the North of England in four galleries plus a week in London. You are also eligible for several prizes. Even if you are not shortlisted, your artwork will have been viewed by a panel of esteemed art experts.
I will not be able to get to the launch event in Birkenhead, would I still be eligible for a prize?
Yes, of course. It would be great if cannot attend in person that you could be available to join us via video feed but it is not essential.
Does my entry have to be a new piece?
We require all entered artworks to have been produced within the last 3 years.
My artwork has been previously exhibited – can I still enter it?
Yes. As long as shortlisted work is available for the entire New Light exhibition tour and is also available for sale.
I’m a sculptor, can I enter?
Yes, as long as your sculpture fits our entry criteria. However, you may decide to enter the New Light Sculpture Prize 2024 instead or both!