If you’re a UAL student thinking about putting your work out into the world, this is your sign.
Introducing The Cass Art Prize 2026 – A Big Opportunity for UAL Students
Written by Mahi Agarwal, Student Arts Programmer at Arts SU
The Cass Art Prize 2026 is officially open, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. Open to artists across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, this national art prize offers creatives the chance to gain recognition, exhibit their work, and even win the £10,000 overall prize.
For students, opportunities like this can feel intimidating at first but they’re also some of the most exciting ways to take your work beyond the studio and into the professional art world.
And the best part? Arts SU is supporting UAL students by reimbursing entry fees to help cover the potential financial barrier of the application costs.
Why Should Students Apply?
Applying to an open call like The Cass Art Prize isn’t just about winning - although that would be amazing! It’s about building confidence, gaining experience, and starting to position yourself within the wider creative industry.
At university we’re in a unique creative environment. We have access to: studios and workshops, tutors and technical support, a community of other creatives.
But opportunities like The Cass Art Prize help bridge the gap between student practice and professional practice.
Submitting your work means:
Here are a few reasons why it’s worth going for it:
1. Real Professional Exposure
Works are judged by a respected panel of guest judges with extensive knowledge and experience across the art industry.
Left to right: Founder of Ginny on Frederick FREDDIE POWELL, Curator, Writer & Broadcaster EKOW ESHUN, Art Historian & Author KATY HESSEL, Artist DANIEL CREWS-CHUBB, Artist PHOEBE BOSWELL, Artist KAYE DONACHIE and Artist ANTONIA SHOWERING.
Shortlisted artists will then exhibit their work in a prestigious group exhibition at The Bomb Factory in Marylebone, London, in Autumn 2026. Having your work shown in a recognised exhibition is a huge step for any emerging artist. It adds credibility to your portfolio and shows that your work can exist beyond the university environment.
2. Major Prizes and Opportunities
The competition includes 17 prizes and awards worth over £30,000 including:
- £10,000 cash Main Prize
- Students Award - £1,500 of art supplies
- Art Educators Award - £1,000 of books
- Large Scale Artwork Award - £1,500 of art supplies
- Solo Show Award - A solo show at Soho Revue
- Showcase Award - An exhibition space at The Other Art Fair in spring 2027
- Development Award - £900 of online courses at Contemporary Art Academy and £100 of art supplies
- Emerging Artist Award - £1,000 cash
- Over 65 Award - £1,000 of art supplies
- People's Choice Award - £1,500 cash
- There are also category prizes specifically for oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastels, drawing & sketching, 3D artwork, mixed media and printmaking
These awards don’t just provide financial support they offer real career development opportunities, including exhibitions and professional visibility.
3. Learn the Skills Artists Actually Need
Submitting to an open call is an important professional skill. Through the process you’ll practise:
These are all skills you’ll need after graduating, so getting that experience early is incredibly valuable.
4. Build Confidence in Your Work
Putting your work forward can feel scary, but it’s also empowering. Even submitting your work is a step toward taking yourself seriously as an artist or creative practitioner.
Arts SU Support for Students
Competitions often come with entry fees, which can sometimes make opportunities feel inaccessible for students.
That’s why Arts SU is continuing to support UAL students by reimbursing application fees, with up to £500 available this year to help cover submissions. As this is a limited fund to support students, we will be treating reimbursements requests on a first come first serve basis.
This means you can take part, gain experience, and submit your work without worrying about the financial barrier.
You can submit up to 4 works, and Student entry fees are £10 for your first entry and £6 per additional entry.
Just get in touch with artsprogramme@su.arts.ac.uk to find out how to claim your reimbursement.
A Proud UAL Moment
Last year, a UAL student, Katharina Rieppel, won the Over 65 Award-winning artwork category, a massive achievement and something the whole UAL community can be proud of.
Her success shows that UAL students are not just participating, we are standing out. It proves that our work is competitive, relevant, and worthy of national recognition.
Why not let 2026 be your year?
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to submit your work to something bigger this might be it.
UAL students are known for being experimental, bold, and innovative. Opportunities like The Cass Art Prize 2026 are a chance to show that creativity to the wider art world.
So why not give it a go? Submit your work, take the leap, and see where it could take you!