Three Counties Open Art 2026

Arthur Berry Prize Sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund

This award 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. This award celebrates artistic excellence.

Award Details:  

Prize: £500   

Eligibility: Open to all 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:  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:
Statue in the Garden, Qianhui Yu, 2025
Kick Flip, Peter Davis, 2024
Untitled, Jeffrey Barnard, 2023
The Earth Wept, Helen Boardman, 2022
Pickup, Geoff Archer, 2021
Conna, Wonna, Donna, Chris Moult, 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: TBC

George Mallalieu Emerging Artist Award (2026–2030)

A new award for 2026! Created in tribute to George Mallalieu. George was a charismatic figure on the local arts scene, a highly respected artist, writer and academic in Staffordshire and Judge of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition in 1997 during its early years. This award celebrates George’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent across the three counties.

Award Details: 

Prize: £500   

About the Award

The George Mallalieu Emerging Artist Award supports early career artists who live, work, or have strong connections to the Three Counties region. 

Early Career Artist

For this award, an early career artist is someone still developing their professional practice. This may include artists who:

• have practised for around 10 years or fewer
• are building their portfolio and public profile
• have begun exhibiting or undertaking commissions but are still establishing their career
• are not yet widely recognised or commercially established

Eligibility

Applicants must be based in, from, or connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire or Shropshire. Connections may include:

• having lived or worked in the region
• producing work or projects linked to the area
• maintaining creative or professional ties with local arts communities

Applicants must also submit work to the Three Counties Open by the call‑out deadline.

Entry Requirements

Eligible artists should state:

• their connection to one or more of the Three Counties
• brief details about their artistic background or early career development
• what winning the award would mean to them

This award continues George Mallalieu’s legacy by supporting early career artists who reflect the creativity and cultural richness of the Three Counties.

Three Counties Open Art Prize sponsored by Keele University.

The Three Counties Open Art Prize 2026 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: £400 and the opportunity to exhibit work in a space supported by ArtsKeele. 

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

Award selectors: Artist TBC; Kerry Jones ArtsKeele; Deb Hilditch ArtsKeele

Best Newcomer Award

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: TBC

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.   

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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 again 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).  

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: PiCL  

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: x1 Open Studio residency for 3 months 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 a three-month 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. 

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Award

Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going.

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID continues its valued support of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition with this year’s award theme, 'Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We’re Going.' Inspired by the town‑centre focus for 2026, the theme is intentionally broad and invites artists to explore ideas of journey, identity, transition and the passage of time.

This category celebrates artworks that reflect on past, present or future narratives be they personal, social, or entirely imagined. Interpretations may draw on real places or conceptual worlds, offering space for a wide range of creative voices and perspectives.

Award details:  

Prize: £200

Sustainability Award 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: TBC