Three Counties Open Art 2025

Arthur Berry Centenary Award

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.

Three Counties Open Art Prize 2025

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). 

Sustainability Award 2025

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. 

Best Newcomer Award

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. 

The Art Studio 2D Award

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

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. 

Audience Choice Award

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 

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

ACAVA Studios Artist Development Award

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. 

Urban Wilderness Photography Award & Residency 2025

• 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.

People and Place Award

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