Three Counties Open Art 2025

Arthur Berry Centenary Award - Three Counties Open Art 2025 Sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund and a generous gift.  

In celebration of the centenary year of the birth of the renowned artist Arthur Berry, the Three Counties Open Art 2025 proudly presents the Arthur Berry Prize. This award, with a prize of £1000, reflects on the legacy of Arthur Berry, whose work has left an indelible mark on the art world and the cultural heritage of Stoke-on-Trent.  

Award Details:  

Prize: £1000   

Eligibility: Open to artists featured in the exhibition who have a connection* to the Three Counties (Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire).  

• Criteria: The recipient will be selected based on the originality, technical proficiency, and artistic impact of their work, reflecting the spirit and influence of Arthur Berry.  

About Arthur Berry: Arthur Berry (1925-1994) was a celebrated artist, playwright, and poet, known for his evocative depictions of working-class life in the Potteries. His work, characterised by its raw honesty, captured the essence of the industrial landscape and the people who inhabited it. Berry's contributions to the arts have made him an iconic figure in Stoke-on-Trent, and his legacy continues to inspire artists today.  

Significance: This year holds special significance as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Arthur Berry's birth, alongside the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent. The Arthur Berry Prize not only celebrates the artistic achievements of contemporary artists but also pays tribute to Berry's enduring legacy and his contributions to the art community.  

Previous Winners: Over the years, the Arthur Berry Prize has been awarded to numerous talented artists whose work embodies the spirit of Berry's legacy. In recent years artists in receipt of the award include:
Kick Flip, Peter Davis, 2024
Untitled, Jeffrey Barnard, 2023
Helen Boardman, The Earth Wept, 2022
Geoff Archer, Pickup, 2021
Chris Moult, Conna, Wonna, Donna, 2020

Purpose: The Arthur Berry Prize aims to inspire and support artists by providing them with recognition and financial assistance to further their artistic practice.

Award selectors: Katey Goodwin, Deputy Director of ArtUK and Chris Day, Artist 

Katey Goodwin is Deputy Director of Art UK, a national digital platform that brings together the UK's public art collections, making artworks accessible to everyone online. With a background in archaeology and museum curation, Katey has worked at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and Keele University, curating collections ranging from Staffordshire archaeology to industrial heritage and ceramics. She played a key role in Art UK’s Oil Paintings project, managing digitisation teams across the country—clocking up enough miles to circle the globe twice! A proud advocate for regional art, one of her favourite works is Below Five Clouds, The Roaches by Frederick John England, which evokes the landscape of her Staffordshire Moorlands home. To mark the centenary of Arthur Berry's birth 19 works are now digitised and now feature on ArtUK.  

Chris Day – Artist. Growing up in the West Midlands, Chris Day is believed to be Britain’s only black glassblower. A recent graduate of Wolverhampton University, he creates powerful mixed-media works that explore the historical and ongoing treatment of Black people in Britain and the USA. His research draws on the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil Rights Movement, using art to confront difficult histories and inspire dialogue. Before pursuing art, Day spent over 20 years as a plumber. He now integrates materials from heating and electrical systems into his work, blending technical skill with creative expression. His signature ‘copper cages’—crafted from tubing and wire—symbolise physical and mental confinement, while the glass within represents the human spirit striving for freedom. Day’s innovative approach earned him a special commendation at the 2019 British Glass Biennale, and he continues to be a powerful voice in both the contemporary art-glass scene and conversations around racial justice.   

In his own words:   

“As a Black glassblower, I am one of few and on a quest to find and inspire more. My main purpose is to engage the audience on issues that are hard to confront, using art to help overcome some of the traumas that haunt our collective past.” 

Three Counties Open Art Prize 2025 sponsored by Keele University.

The Three Counties Open Art Prize 2025 celebrates exceptional artistic talent across all disciplines. Open to artists from Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Shropshire. The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image, and installation-based works. 

Award Details: 

Prize: £450 and the opportunity to exhibit work in a space supported by ArtsKeele. 

Eligibility: Open to artists featured in the exhibition who have a connection* to the Three Counties (Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire). 

Award selectors: Chris Day, Artist; Kerry Jones ArtsKeele; Deb Hilditch ArtsKeele

Chris Day – Artist. Growing up in the West Midlands, Chris Day is believed to be Britain’s only black glassblower. A recent graduate of Wolverhampton University, he creates powerful mixed-media works that explore the historical and ongoing treatment of Black people in Britain and the USA. His research draws on the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil Rights Movement, using art to confront difficult histories and inspire dialogue. Before pursuing art, Day spent over 20 years as a plumber. He now integrates materials from heating and electrical systems into his work, blending technical skill with creative expression. His signature ‘copper cages’—crafted from tubing and wire—symbolise physical and mental confinement, while the glass within represents the human spirit striving for freedom. Day’s innovative approach earned him a special commendation at the 2019 British Glass Biennale, and he continues to be a powerful voice in both the contemporary art-glass scene and conversations around racial justice.   

In his own words:   

“As a Black glassblower, I am one of few and on a quest to find and inspire more. My main purpose is to engage the audience on issues that are hard to confront, using art to help overcome some of the traumas that haunt our collective past.” 

Sustainability Award 2025 sponsored by North Staffs Friends of the Earth.  

North Staffs Friends of the Earth is delighted to present the Sustainability Award 2025. This award recognises artists who integrate sustainability into their practice or whose work thoughtfully explores sustainability in all its forms. The award supports artists who creatively address environmental issues, explore sustainable practice, and inspire positive change. 

Award Details: 

Prize: £75 

Eligibility: Open to artists whose work demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, whether through the use of materials, themes of environmental conservation, or innovative approaches to sustainable practice. 

Criteria: The recipient will be selected based on the originality, impact, and effectiveness of their work in exploring sustainability. 

Purpose: The Sustainability in Art Award aims to support and recognise artists who are exploring sustainability through their work and practice. 

Award selectors: Gemma Thomas, Brilliant Bamboo; Neil Dawson, North Staffordshire Friends of the Earth

Best Newcomer Award Sponsored by Barewall Gallery 

Barewall Art Gallery, established in 2010 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, is renowned for showcasing British 20th century modern and contemporary art, ceramics, and sculpture, particularly from artists connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire, and the North of England. The gallery celebrates the rich heritage of The Potteries with a diverse collection of original art and collectible ceramics, representing many local artists and independent ceramic designers. 

Award details: 
 
Prize: £100 
 
Eligibility: Artists who have not exhibited work at the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition previously. 

Purpose: The Best Newcomer Award celebrates artists who are new to the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. This award aims to encourage participation and platform artists connected to the Three Counties region. 

Award selector: Amanda Bromley, Barewall Gallery. Kerry Jones and Deb Hilditch, ArtsKeele. 

The Art Studio 2D Award 

Sponsored by The Art Studio, Newcastle-under-Lyme.  

The Art Studio 2D Award will recognise outstanding achievement in two-dimensional art practice. This award celebrates artists who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and innovation in their work.  

Award Details: 

Prize: £75 of vouchers 

Eligibility: Open to artists who have excelled in any form of 2D art, including but not limited to painting, drawing and printmaking. 

Criteria: The recipient will be selected based on the originality, technical proficiency, and artistic impact of their work. 

Purpose: The Award aims to encourage and support talented artists, providing a platform for their work and recognition to further their artistic practice.   

Burslem School of Art Trust 3D Award 

Sponsored Burslem School of Art Trust

The Burslem School of Art Trust is proud to present a special award in recognition of an artist who specialises in three-dimensional art practice. This award celebrates artists who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and innovation in their work, contributing significantly to the field of 3D art. 

Award Details: 

Prize: £100 

Eligibility: Open to artists who have excelled in any form of 3D art, including but not limited to sculpture, installation, ceramics, and mixed media. 

Criteria: The recipient will be selected based on the originality, technical proficiency, and artistic impact of their work. 

Purpose: The 3D Award aims to encourage and support talented artists, providing them with recognition to further their artistic practice. 

Young Artist Award  

Sponsored by PICL (Partners in Creative Learning).

We are proud to present the Young Artist Award, a special recognition at this year’s Three Counties Open Art Exhibition, celebrating the creativity and talent of emerging young artists.  

This award, open to artists aged 21 and under, highlights exceptional artistic achievement and originality. The winner will receive a £100 prize and unique trophy, generously sponsored by PICL – Partners in Creative Learning.  

Partners in Creative Learning (PICL) co-design  and deliver creative learning projects in schools and communities, using all forms of creativity, culture and art to facilitate positive changes for young people in Stoke and North Staffordshire. 

Through this award, PICL and the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition aim to encourage and uplift the next generation of artists.  

  
Award Selectors: Iain Perry – Programme Director for PiCL and Chris Day - Artist  

We’re delighted to announce that the Young People's Award will be selected by Iain Perry and Chris Day.  

Iain Perry is a respected figure in the arts and education sectors and currently Programme Director at Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL). Iain brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked with the Creative Partnerships programme in Stoke and Staffordshire since 2007. Over the years, he has contributed to a wide range of creative initiatives, including freelance work with the British Ceramics Biennial and the Pocket Film Festival. Alongside his leadership in arts education, Iain is also an accomplished printmaker and collage artist, with a deep appreciation for creative expression and innovation. His insight and passion for nurturing emerging talent make him an ideal judge for this year’s award, helping to spotlight the exceptional work of a young artist aged 21 or under.  

Chris Day – Artist. Growing up in the West Midlands, Chris Day is believed to be Britain’s only black glassblower. A recent graduate of Wolverhampton University, he creates powerful mixed-media works that explore the historical and ongoing treatment of Black people in Britain and the USA. His research draws on the transatlantic slave trade and the Civil Rights Movement, using art to confront difficult histories and inspire dialogue. Before pursuing art, Day spent over 20 years as a plumber. He now integrates materials from heating and electrical systems into his work, blending technical skill with creative expression. His signature ‘copper cages’—crafted from tubing and wire—symbolise physical and mental confinement, while the glass within represents the human spirit striving for freedom. Day’s innovative approach earned him a special commendation at the 2019 British Glass Biennale, and he continues to be a powerful voice in both the contemporary art-glass scene and conversations around racial justice.   

In his own words:   

“As a Black glassblower, I am one of few and on a quest to find and inspire more. My main purpose is to engage the audience on issues that are hard to confront, using art to help overcome some of the traumas that haunt our collective past.”  

Audience Choice Award

Sponsored by Appetite

Appetite is part of the Creative People and Places programme, initiated and funded by Arts Council England. The Appetite Community Decision Makers are local individuals and groups who help shape the arts and cultural programs offered by Appetite, they provide valuable input and feedback to ensure that events and activities resonate with the local community and reflect their interests and needs.

Award details:

Prize: £250 
Judged by: Appetite’s Supper Club and public vote 

Award selectors: A shortlist of artists will be up for the Audience Choice Award, with the winner selected by public vote from visitors to the exhibition. 

ACAVA Studios Artist Development Award Sponsored by ACAVA Studios 

Award: Open Studio residency at ACAVA Spode Works, plus a public engagement outcome for one week at the end of the residency.   

Eligibility: Artists selected by Dan Southward and ACAVA 

Purpose: The ACAVA Studios Artist Development Award aims to support and nurture artistic talent by providing an artist with the opportunity to undertake an Open Studio residency at ACAVA Spode Works. The award includes a public engagement outcome for one week at the end of the residency, fostering community interaction and showcasing the artists' work. 

Award selectors: Dan Southward and ACAVA Residents

Dan Southward: Dan  joined ACAVA in 2015, employed alongside a small team of local artists, to help construct 43 artist studios at the former Spode site in Stoke on Trent. Dan has since continued to maintain his fine art / photography practice from the studios and currently works as a relationship manager for ACAVA, looking after both the property and programmes in Stoke on Trent. 

Urban Wilderness CIC Photography Award & Residency 2025 sponsored by Urban Wilderness

The Urban Wilderness CIC Photography Award offers a unique opportunity for photographers to hone their skills and gain valuable experience. 

Award details:

• Expert Training: Receive specialized training in photography from renowned photographer Jenny Harper.

• Mentor Support: Benefit from mentorship by Laurel Gallagher to develop your portfolio and Isla Telford to assist with grant applications and responding to open commissions.
• Community Engagement: Gain access to photograph the Urban Wilderness program of community events, capturing moments of connection and visual storytelling 

• Exhibition Opportunity: Showcase your work in a curated exhibition either online and at the Moony Club, Longton.

The Urban Wilderness CIC Photography Award is designed to support emerging photographers in their artistic journey, offering them the tools and opportunities to further develop their practice. Urban Wilderness CIC offers a monthly Photography Club, where professional photographers share their practice and inspiration, more information here: https://urbanwildernesscic.com/whats-on

People and Place Award sponsored by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID 
 
Newcastle-under-Lyme BID are sponsoring a new category in 2025 - the People and Place Award. This award will celebrate works that capture human connection to place, whether through landscapes, urban scenes, or intimate portraits. The theme "People and Place" seeks to highlight the diversity of perspectives and the unique stories that emerge from the interplay between people and their environments. 

Award details:  

Prize: £200