The Newent Art Competition was founded in 2017 when Bill Anderton wrote the ‘Newent Symphony’, a composition with 5 movements (Daffodils, May Hill, The Onion Fayre, Newent Lake & The Market House). The Symphony was performed by Newent Orchestra at Newent Community School.

In order to connect the different sectors of our creative community Bill teamed up with local artist and curator, Hannah Ferguson, to organise the first ever Newent Art Competition. Local artists were asked to produce paintings, sculpture, photography, textiles and poetry in response to one or all of the movements of the Newent Symphony. Artworks were exhibited in Newent and a selection during the concert at Newent Community School.

The competition was such a great success, that since 2017 we have had a further 6 Competitions, each with a different theme, exhibited at The Secret Gallery, Newent throughout August.

The Newent Art Competition has given a great opportunity to both young (our youngest exhibitor was 6!) and up-and-coming artists to exhibit their work in a gallery setting along side both local and international professionals, often giving them the boost they need to further their careers as professionals. A great example is Hellen Backe, who was overall winner in 2023 with her piece ‘Energy’, has since gone on to exhibit at well known galleries such as Canwood, as a direct result of her competition win.

Each competition is complemented by a Prize Ceremony event with live classical music by members of Newent Orchestra, Poetry Readings and a Courtyard Bar by Cobblers micro-pub to complement the wonderfully diverse selection of artwork on display.

The exhibition and event benefits Newent not only by sparking creativity and bringing together the creative community, but also by bringing a large number of visitors to the town from far and wide.

The Future of the Newent Art Competition.

The Newent Art Competition has been funded through private and business sponsorship. In 2024, a combination of rising costs and tightening budgets meant the competition was not able to go ahead.

Create Newent is working to bring the much loved Newent Art Competition back and secure funding to ensure its sustainable future.

The theme for 2025 is ‘A Moment in Time’. Please see www.newentartcompetition.co.uk to find out more, and for details of how to enter your work.