Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award 2026
Open visual art competition celebrating Anna Cheyne's centenary. Council purchases winning artwork(s) for permanent collection.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council launches the Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award 2026, a prestigious open competition marking the centenary of Anna Cheyne's birth (1926–2002). Anna was a highly respected Northern Irish artist based in Lisburn, known for extensive exhibitions across Britain and Ireland, including major shows like An t-Oireachtas and the Royal Ulster Academy. She was appointed an Academician of The Royal Ulster Academy in 1994.
This purchase award directly supports visual artists by acquiring winning artwork(s) for the council's permanent art collection. The competition invites practising visual artists working in any medium to submit finished pieces judged on Originality, Creativity & Innovation, and Quality of Execution.
Eligibility Requirements: Artists must be 25 years or older and demonstrate strong connection to Northern Ireland by being born there, currently residing there, or having parent(s) born in Northern Ireland.
Submission Details: Artists may submit up to two original, recently executed pieces, preferably not previously exhibited. Artwork including frame/stand must not exceed 800mm in greatest dimension. All 2D work must be professionally framed with D rings for hanging.
Key Timeline: Entry form and CV deadline is Monday 15 December 2025 at 1pm. Physical artwork delivery occurs 5-6 January 2026, 9:30am-9pm at ISLAND Arts Centre. Exhibition runs 13 January – 14 February 2026, with winners announced 12 January 2026 at the preview event.