Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is excited to announce the launch of the Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award 2026. The open competition holds great significance, as it marks the centenary of Anna’s birth (1926–2002), celebrating the extensive artistic achievements of this important Northern Irish artist.
The Artist and the Award's Purpose
Anna Cheyne was a highly respected artist who made her home in Lisburn. She was known for exhibiting widely across Britain and Ireland, consistently appearing in major shows like t-Oireachtas and the Royal Ulster Academy. Her strong dedication to her work was formally recognised in 1994 when she was appointed an Academician of The Royal Ulster Academy.
This award, which is funded by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, continues to honour Anna and extends a commitment to artistic excellence by directly supporting today’s visual artists. The competition operates as a purchase award, meaning the council will buy the winning artwork(s), adding them permanently to its art collection and providing tangible support to the artist.
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee said: "The Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award is a fantastic way for the council to invest directly in the Northern Ireland visual arts community while celebrating the enduring legacy of an important artist like Anna.
"By purchasing artists’ works, we ensure that the talent and creativity of artists across Northern Ireland are displayed and celebrated for years to come. I encourage all eligible artists to take part in this centenary year."
Open Call for Visual Artists
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council invites practising visual artists working in any medium to submit their finished pieces for this prestigious award.
To be eligible, candidates must be 25 years or older and demonstrate a strong connection to Northern Ireland, meeting one of the following criteria:
- Born in Northern Ireland
- Be a current resident, or have parent(s) born in Northern Ireland.
Submissions will be judged on Originality, Creativity & Innovation, and Quality of Execution.
Mandatory Entry Procedure and Key Dates
Artists must adhere to the following simple, but essential, steps.
- Entry Form Deadline: The official entry form must be received first, as no artwork can be submitted without it. The absolute deadline for receiving the completed entry form is Mon 15 Dec 2025, at 1pm. This form must be accompanied by a full Curriculum Vitae (CV), indicating any previous awards obtained. Please note that applications submitted without a CV cannot be processed.
- Artwork Requirements: Artists may submit up to two finished pieces. Works must be original and recently executed, and preferably not previously exhibited. For presentation, the artwork, including the frame or stand, must not exceed 800mm in its greatest dimension (length or breadth). All 2D work must be professionally framed or presented and supplied with D rings for hanging (clip-on glass frames are not accepted).
- Artwork Submission Days: Physical artwork must be delivered to the ISLAND Arts Centre on one of the following two specific dates only: Mon 5 & Tues 6 Jan 2026, between 9.30am and 9pm. Submissions, clearly labelled with the entrant's name and contact details, should be delivered to: ISLAND Arts Centre, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL.
Exhibition and Awards
Selected works will be showcased in Galleries 1 & 2 at ISLAND Arts Centre 13 Jan – 14 Feb 2026. The winning artist(s) will be announced at the Exhibition Preview on Mon 12 Jan 2026, 7 – 9pm at the arts centre.
The council strongly advises artists to insure their submissions for the entire period of the competition, from the date of handing in to the date of collection.
How to Acquire Your Entry Form
The official entry form is available through the following methods:
• Download: The form can be downloaded directly from the official website: www.ISLANDArtsCentre.com.
• Email Request: lisa-marie.denton@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.
• Phone Request: 028 9244 7744.
Once completed, please submit your entry form and CV to lisa-marie.denton@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or deliver to ISLAND Arts Centre, the ISLAND, Lisburn BT27 4RL. If you require further information, please contact Lisa-Marie Denton, Arts Programming Assistant E: lisa-marie.denton@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.