LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Big Art Show 2024 launches!

One of Scotland's largest open entry exhibitions, Paisley's annual Big Art Show, returns for a third edition from Friday 30th August - Saturday 16th November 2024.

Big Art Show 2024 launches!

Article Source: Outspoken Arts
Last Updated: 12 July 2024 10:23

Image: CONNECTED By Ashley Cook

This year there were 2,108 entries, the Selection Process was supported by the Directors of Art Paisley Ltd – Rowena Comrie, Eòghann MacColl and Maureen Rocksmoore - and the show will feature just over 1,600 artworks by 586 artists. This year’s submissions include artworks in all mediums with an increase in entries for drawing, textiles and prints for this year – reflecting current trends. Most of the works selected are paintings; the show also features mixed media, photography and prints; ceramics, film and digital, installation, metalwork and textiles.

Launched in 2022, the first edition of the Big Art Show featured nearly 1,000 artworks from all over the UK, as well as artwork from Europe and Asia. In 2023, there were 1,712 entries and £42,500 worth of artworks were sold.

For the 2024 show, we are also delighted to announce a larger programme of Featured Artists including Ann Vance, Ashley Cook, Caroline Gormley, Justine Lynch, Paul Marshall, Mark Mulholland and Erinclare Scrutton. Two leading Paisley artists – Ann and Caroline; Glasgow School of Art graduates, Erinclare and Ashley; Edinburgh College of Art graduate, Mark Mulholland, runner up in 2023’s Scottish Portrait Artist of the Year; and two emerging artists from our workshop programme – Justine and Paul. These artists will show up to 12 artworks each and this will form a core part of this year’s show. The show will open on 30th August, 5pm with a launch party and prize giving, featuring a jazz band to entertain attendees.

Commenting on the strength of this year’s Big Art Show, principal selectors, Rowena Comrie and Eòghann MacColl, said: “Continuing to be a part of the Big Art Show, selecting artworks from over 2000 entries, reveals a fascinating diversity of creative skills and imaginative images. This unique exhibition will once again offer valuable exposure for artists from far afield and nearby."

“Being part of the movement and participating is such a valued part of the Big Art Show. This can be tricky given the numbers of submissions and the amount of work we see submitted. We hope you enjoy the exhibition and see the varied and wide backgrounds the artists are coming from. The future plans are exciting, and these are built on a solid foundation of hard work and dedication towards giving everyone a place to feel included and free to express themselves all set in the heart of Paisley from where it radiates across Scotland and beyond!”


Steven Thomson, Creative Director, Big Art Show, commented: “We can’t quite believe we’re in our third year of the show – it’s gained so much momentum and truly established itself as a landmark event for Paisley’s cultural calendar. The reward of the Big Art Show is that almost 75% of submissions are chosen, unlike some other similar shows in the UK. The show is inclusive and representative, and we’re invested in providing not only an important health and wellbeing focus for the local community, but also a celebration of freedom of expression which is so important in these turbulent times.”

Running alongside the Big Art Show, The Art Department will offer a 3-month long creative learning workshop programme. Over the past 3 years these workshops have helped participants take part in making art and each participant has benefited from the experience. The workshops will be led by established artists Ann Vance, Eòghann MacColl, Iona Kewney, Karen Hanvidge, Lilja Husmo, Lucy Jane Dorrian and Marion Gardyne. The workshops are all free of charge and cover painting and drawing, mixed media, textiles, glass and ceramics. They are available to book through Eventbrite – https://outspokenarts.eventbrite.com

For the Big Art Show organisers have secured £3k in prizes for this year’s edition, which will be awarded at the launch party on Friday 30th August. Prizes for this year are as follows:

1. The Art Paisley Prize – top prize for best in show £500
2. Future Paisley Prize for a local artist of merit £400
3. Independent Financial Advice Centre (Glasgow) Limited Prize £300
4. Clutha Trust Prize for an emerging artist - £250
5. One Ren Health and Wellbeing Prizes - £150
6. One Ren Health and Wellbeing Prizes – two runners-up prizes - £50
7. Society of Scottish Artists Prize - £200 plus one year’s free membership of SSA
8. The Hazlitt Apartments Prize - £200
9. Made in Paisley Prize - £200
10. Cass Art Prize - £150
11. The Carolyn Kyle-Chittick Pretty in Pink Prize £150
12. Outspoken Arts Scotland Prize for Digital work - £100
13. Duais a’ mhòir (The Big Dog Prize) for an artist under 25 - £100
14. The Sadie Sheppard Memorial Prize for landscape £100
15. The Mill Magazine Prize - £100

Outspoken Arts are pleased to announce support for its year-round work from Bank of Scotland Foundation, Paisley First, William Syson Foundation and Hugh Fraser Foundation. Outspoken Arts Scotland is supported by Creative Scotland, Renfrewshire Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and Renfrewshire Council as part of Future Paisley’s programme - putting culture at the heart of Paisley and Renfrewshire's regeneration and harnessing the power of culture to support people's lives for the better.

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Glasgow Science Centre
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council

Latest Renfrewshire News

SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances

SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.

READ MORE
Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

READ MORE
Into Film Festival Scottish Programme Announced

Into Film Festival Scottish Programme Announced

Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November.

READ MORE
The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October

The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October

Country's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.

READ MORE
October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores

October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!

READ MORE
Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience

Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.

READ MORE
Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday

Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday

This weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.

READ MORE
Coach heads home to find ice hockey stars of the future

Coach heads home to find ice hockey stars of the future

One of British ice hockey's most-respected coaches is coming home to discover and coach the stars of the future.

READ MORE
Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween

Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween

Some of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!

READ MORE
The Hazlitt Apartments Paisley offer luxury accommodation in a historic building

The Hazlitt Apartments Paisley offer luxury accommodation in a historic building

The regeneration of the historic town of Paisley continues with the opening of The Hazlitt Apartments.

READ MORE
Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.

READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas

Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas

Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2024.

READ MORE
The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!

The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!

Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!

READ MORE
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland

Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!

READ MORE
Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow

Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow

After a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!

READ MORE
Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line

Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line

If you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!

READ MORE
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November

Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November

Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.

READ MORE
Get ready for a great big Living History Week

Get ready for a great big Living History Week

Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!

READ MORE
SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner

SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award

READ MORE
Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK

Baby Loss Awareness Week unites bereaved families across the UK

People affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.

READ MORE
Miller Homes makes kids across the West of Scotland visible this Autumn

Miller Homes makes kids across the West of Scotland visible this Autumn

Miller Homes, Scotland's leading homebuilder, is brightening the streets across the West of Scotland this autumn as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Home Safe campaign.

READ MORE
Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Twice the festive fun: Starry Nights Illuminated Christmas Experience makes highly anticipated return

Event that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.

READ MORE
Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism

Vango teams up with VisitScotland to encourage responsible tourism

Leading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.

READ MORE
Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest

Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined veteran rugby teams for Vets Fest

Ex Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.

READ MORE
Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas

Community groups, local authorities, charities and schools urged to apply for funding to add trees in urban areas

Future Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.

READ MORE
SAY Award opens public vote

SAY Award opens public vote

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.

READ MORE
Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind

Feel the Force with Cineworld 4DX Rewind

For a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.

READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre launches new sportswear brand, Castore

Braehead Shopping Centre launches new sportswear brand, Castore

Braehead Shopping Centre announces the opening of leading British performance sportswear brand, Castore.

READ MORE
Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week

Captain Fantastic supports Dyslexia Scotland Awareness Week

Captain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.

READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience

Lost Shore Surf Resort announces a Unique Festive Experience

Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

ATG
Parkdean
Kids Pass
National Trust
Rabbies

Sponsored Links

The Quay
Glasgow Science Centre
East Renfrewshire Culture
Renfrewshire Council
ATG
Parkdean
Kids Pass
National Trust
Rabbies

Popular Events

Farmer Fletcher’s Pumpkin Patch
With thousands to choose from, grab your wellies and come along to Farmer Fletcher's Pumpkin Patch to find your perfect pumpkin in the run up to Halloween!
Big Kid Circus: Renfrew
Roll Up, Roll Up! The Big Kid Circus is in town with their brand new show ILLUMINATION! Catch them at at XSite Braehead between October 11th and 20th!
A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play on Stage
Dickens' masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, is brought to the Beacon Arts Centre stage as a 1950s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience!
The Scottish Pink Floyd - CANCELLED
Don't miss a fantastic night of Pink Floyd classics performed live when The Scottish Pink Floyd return to the Venue Paisley on Saturday 16th November!
Evening Christmas Wreath Workshop
Whether you're a crafting beginner or a seasoned pro, this Evening Christmas Wreath Workshop is the perfect way to create a beautiful, bespoke wreath to decorate your home or gift to a loved one.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley