The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, now in its 8th year, is an annual non-acquisitive international art prize that celebrates diversity and excellence in the representational visual arts. It includes all static mediums: Traditional Art media, Digital Art media, and Photographic media; and all styles from realism and hyperrealism, to pop surrealism and lowbrow. The Prize seeks to inspire creatives from around the world to pursue a life and career in the arts, and to help careers grow through funding and increased exposure of their work to galleries, collectors and media globally.
.
$77,000 USD in cash & prizes to be won!
Giving the practices of representational artists validation and visibility, particularly in the commercial gallery and museum sector where it is still hard to get representation, is what the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize aims to achieve.
Artwork above “In the Distance” by 2024 Grand Prize Winner, Andrea Kowch
.
Why Enter?
Wonder why it’s important to enter the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, and how it will benefit your career?
Prize Money
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize offers substantial cash prizes to winners which provides financial support for the artist’s practice. This financial support can help artists to cover costs associated with their practice, such as materials, studio rent, and equipment.
Additionally, prize money also provides artists with the financial flexibility to take risks and pursue new projects, without the need to worry about the financial implications. This can allow artists to focus on their practice without the added stress of financial insecurity.
Global Exposure
By participating in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, artists have the opportunity to present their work to a diverse group of individuals, including art professionals, collectors, critics, and the general public. This leads to increased visibility and exposure for the artist and their work on an international scale.
It can also bring attention to an artist’s practice from art galleries, curators, and other institutions, which can lead to further opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations.
Recognition & Career Development
Being selected by a panel of judges, who are industry professionals and experts, is an acknowledgement of the quality and merit of an artist’s work. It is also an endorsement of an artist’s practice and vision, providing validation for the artist’s choices and direction – plus, it is a great addition to an artist’s CV and can help them to build a reputation and credibility within the art world.
Winning or being selected as a finalist can also lead to greater opportunities for career development, such as solo exhibitions, participating in art fairs, commissions, and collaborations.
Invest in yourself
Entering the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is a great way for artists to invest in themselves in a cost effective way.
By entering the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, artists are investing in their own reputation and credibility within the art world.
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize also offers a range of opportunities for exposure, such as through editorial and advertising in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, the magazine & Art Prize websites, and our social media channels [with over 1.9M followers], which can help artists to reach a wider audience and promote their work. This can be particularly beneficial for artists who may not have the resources to invest in other forms of marketing.
Networking
Participating in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize provides an opportunity for artists to meet and connect with the Editor-in-Chief of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and other art professionals such as gallerists, curators, and collectors at the Art Prize exhibition.
These connections can lead to future opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations, as well as provide valuable support and resources for artists.
Build your Collector Base
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize attracts a diverse group of collectors from around the world. By participating, artists have the opportunity to connect with these collectors and showcase their work to a wider audience. This can lead to increased interest in an artist’s work and can help to build a collector base.
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize exhibition also provides an opportunity for artists to meet and connect with collectors in person. These personal connections can be valuable in building a collector base, as collectors are more likely to purchase work from an artist they have met and have a personal connection with.
For a full a list of prizes, including cash, products, advertising and services that will help your practice grow, please visit the Prizes page.
2025 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize Award Categories
You can enter into one of six award categories: Painting Award, Drawing Award, Digital Art Award, Photography Award, Sculpture Award and Emerging Artist Award. Artists working across mediums are welcome to enter more than one award category. From the Finalists selected in each award category, a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by the Jury Panel. The People’s Choice Award will open for public voting on 22 August 2025.
Click the below award headings to see the full list of prizes, and to find out more about each award.
For me, winning a Beautiful Bizarre award is a way of legitimizing my work, of being recognized by my peers, and of setting a benchmark for my career. I think this art competition is really unique because while it maintains a high level of standards and always has a very knowledgeable and experienced jury, it remains very open compared to a lot of other competitions that are more conformist. And that’s rare!
Competitions can help you find your place and promote your work, and for artists who feel out of place elsewhere, it’s a good choice to take part.
Ornélie2024 Sculpture award, 2nd Prize Winner
The joy of becoming the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Grand Prize Award recipient is beyond words. This award has not just been a recognition; it has opened a gateway for my artistic journey, providing me with the opportunity to be seen by the world. I am well aware that this is not just about being an awardee but becoming a part of a larger family. Beautiful Bizarre Magazine has not only given me a platform to showcase my art but has also allowed me to experience the genuine connection among artists. This award, akin to a warm embrace, fortifies my determination to tread further on the artistic path.
I encourage all artists to bravely participate in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, letting your voice be heard on this expansive stage. It is not merely a platform to exhibit art but a space where dreams can soar.
LO CHAN PENG2023 Grand Prize Award Winner
Winning 2nd Prize in the Photography Award was an incredibly uplifting highlight in my career. To anyone considering entering the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. Not only does it provide a platform to showcase your work to a wider audience, but it also fosters connections within the artistic community and opens doors to new opportunities.
Receiving 1st Prize in the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Digital Art Award was a great honour that filled me with immense pride and gratitude. Seeing my work exhibited alongside other extraordinary artists was an experience that not only provided validation but also deep inspiration. I humbly encourage fellow artists to seize the opportunity to participate in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, as it is a chance to share self-expression, expand networks, and celebrate the diverse beauty of art.
GARIS EDELWEISS 2023 Digital Art Award, 1st Prize Winner
I love the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize! It stands out amongst numerous contests in the art world in that they go out of their way to share your work on their social media networks. I was fortunate to win 2nd Prize in the Traditional Art Award, and it went a long way to heighten the visibility of my work.
JASON MOWRY2023 Traditional Art Award, 2nd Prize Winner
I feel I have acquired a lot more visibility because of the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine articles and features as well as taking part in some lovely group shows with Corey Helford Gallery, Haven Gallery, and Modern Eden Gallery. This alone has helped get my name out there. I have gained a few big commissions off the back of winning People’s Choice Award two years ago, so hopefully being awarded 3rd prize in the Traditional Art Award this year will lead to more exciting exhibitions and opportunities.
I would recommend entering this competition to anyone regardless of what stage you are in your career; the standard is high but obtainable, and there is a real opportunity to get your work seen on an international platform. It is a forward-thinking organization. Their ethos in promoting new emerging artists alongside established names and creating a community for artists in all disciplines is a special thing.
STEPHANIE REW2023 Traditional Art Award, 3rd Prize Winner
Winning […] was truly life-changing for me, and something I never imagined would happen. Since receiving the prize, my career has gained momentum, and I’m now fully booked with exhibitions for 2025.
The Beautiful Bizarre community has been incredible—I’ve made meaningful connections with other artists and felt truly supported.
Winning the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize has completely changed my life, and I would wholeheartedly encourage other artists to enter. You never know how it might transform your path.
Haejin Yoo2024 Traditional Art Award, 2nd Prize Winner
I decided to enter this contest because it’s the one contest that truly celebrates art that deviates from the ordinary. It felt like the perfect platform to push my boundaries and connect with a community of like-minded people who value uniqueness.
This experience has been incredibly rewarding for me. Everyone at Beautiful Bizarre is so kind and it truly felt like coming home to a community where I belong. So many opportunities have come from it: I’ve been invited to group shows, galleries have noticed my work, I’ve connected with many talented artists and I’m now part of the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory.
Most importantly, it’s been a huge boost to my self-esteem. As artists, we often doubt ourselves and our art, so receiving external validation like this feels really good. It reassured me that what I create has value.
Nadine Tralala2024 Emerging Artist Award, 1st Prize Winner
For me, winning a Beautiful Bizarre award is a way of legitimizing my work, of being recognized by my peers, and of setting a benchmark for my career. I think this art competition is really unique because while it maintains a high level of standards and always has a very knowledgeable and experienced jury, it remains very open compared to a lot of other competitions that are more conformist. And that’s rare!
Competitions can help you find your place and promote your work, and for artists who feel out of place elsewhere, it’s a good choice to take part.
Ornélie2024 Sculpture award, 2nd Prize Winner
The joy of becoming the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Grand Prize Award recipient is beyond words. This award has not just been a recognition; it has opened a gateway for my artistic journey, providing me with the opportunity to be seen by the world. I am well aware that this is not just about being an awardee but becoming a part of a larger family. Beautiful Bizarre Magazine has not only given me a platform to showcase my art but has also allowed me to experience the genuine connection among artists. This award, akin to a warm embrace, fortifies my determination to tread further on the artistic path.
I encourage all artists to bravely participate in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, letting your voice be heard on this expansive stage. It is not merely a platform to exhibit art but a space where dreams can soar.
LO CHAN PENG2023 Grand Prize Award Winner
Winning 2nd Prize in the Photography Award was an incredibly uplifting highlight in my career. To anyone considering entering the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. Not only does it provide a platform to showcase your work to a wider audience, but it also fosters connections within the artistic community and opens doors to new opportunities.
Receiving 1st Prize in the 2023 Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, Digital Art Award was a great honour that filled me with immense pride and gratitude. Seeing my work exhibited alongside other extraordinary artists was an experience that not only provided validation but also deep inspiration. I humbly encourage fellow artists to seize the opportunity to participate in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, as it is a chance to share self-expression, expand networks, and celebrate the diverse beauty of art.
GARIS EDELWEISS 2023 Digital Art Award, 1st Prize Winner
I love the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize! It stands out amongst numerous contests in the art world in that they go out of their way to share your work on their social media networks. I was fortunate to win 2nd Prize in the Traditional Art Award, and it went a long way to heighten the visibility of my work.
JASON MOWRY2023 Traditional Art Award, 2nd Prize Winner
I feel I have acquired a lot more visibility because of the Beautiful Bizarre Magazine articles and features as well as taking part in some lovely group shows with Corey Helford Gallery, Haven Gallery, and Modern Eden Gallery. This alone has helped get my name out there. I have gained a few big commissions off the back of winning People’s Choice Award two years ago, so hopefully being awarded 3rd prize in the Traditional Art Award this year will lead to more exciting exhibitions and opportunities.
I would recommend entering this competition to anyone regardless of what stage you are in your career; the standard is high but obtainable, and there is a real opportunity to get your work seen on an international platform. It is a forward-thinking organization. Their ethos in promoting new emerging artists alongside established names and creating a community for artists in all disciplines is a special thing.
STEPHANIE REW2023 Traditional Art Award, 3rd Prize Winner
Winning […] was truly life-changing for me, and something I never imagined would happen. Since receiving the prize, my career has gained momentum, and I’m now fully booked with exhibitions for 2025.
The Beautiful Bizarre community has been incredible—I’ve made meaningful connections with other artists and felt truly supported.
Winning the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize has completely changed my life, and I would wholeheartedly encourage other artists to enter. You never know how it might transform your path.
Haejin Yoo2024 Traditional Art Award, 2nd Prize Winner
I decided to enter this contest because it’s the one contest that truly celebrates art that deviates from the ordinary. It felt like the perfect platform to push my boundaries and connect with a community of like-minded people who value uniqueness.
This experience has been incredibly rewarding for me. Everyone at Beautiful Bizarre is so kind and it truly felt like coming home to a community where I belong. So many opportunities have come from it: I’ve been invited to group shows, galleries have noticed my work, I’ve connected with many talented artists and I’m now part of the Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory.
Most importantly, it’s been a huge boost to my self-esteem. As artists, we often doubt ourselves and our art, so receiving external validation like this feels really good. It reassured me that what I create has value.
Nadine Tralala2024 Emerging Artist Award, 1st Prize Winner
For me, winning a Beautiful Bizarre award is a way of legitimizing my work, of being recognized by my peers, and of setting a benchmark for my career. I think this art competition is really unique because while it maintains a high level of standards and always has a very knowledgeable and experienced jury, it remains very open compared to a lot of other competitions that are more conformist. And that’s rare!
Competitions can help you find your place and promote your work, and for artists who feel out of place elsewhere, it’s a good choice to take part.
Ornélie2024 Sculpture award, 2nd Prize Winner
Entry fee is US$40 to cover administrative costs. If you have any questions about the Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize, please don’t hesitate to contact us at artprize@beautifulbizarre.net.
The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is administered by Australian based, international contemporary art magazine, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine.
Entries Open: 10 February 2025
Entries Close: Midnight 17 July 2025 [Los Angeles, USA time]