Tomorrow’s Turners, would-be Whistlers and keen Kahlos are being challenged to put paint to paper by Birmingham gallery the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

While the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, based at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus, is currently closed for a major building improvement project, the gallery has launched a vibrant new initiative to keep creativity flowing across the region – the Barber Art Challenge.

Each month, artists of all ages are invited to take inspiration from the Barber’s world-class collection and respond to themed prompts for a chance to win art prizes worth over £75, generously provided by Cass Art. Everyone – from curious beginners to seasoned sketchers – are being encouraged to get involved, share their work, and be part of a growing online community of local creatives.

Participants are free to create their masterpiece in any medium that can be captured on camera – from a pencil sketch to a painting in watercolour, gouache, acrylic or oils, to photography or sculpture!

Works should then be photographed – and the images emailed to the Barber for a chance to win a prize. Shortlisted artworks will be showcased on the Barber’s website and social media channels, giving artists a chance to shine in front of thousands of followers.

2025 monthly themes & deadlines:
- September – Plants | Deadline: Tuesday 30 September
- October – Faces | Deadline: Friday 31 October
- November – Animals | Deadline: Sunday 30 November
- December – Objects | Deadline: Wednesday 31 December

How to Enter: Submit a JPEG or PNG image of your artwork to info@barber.org.uk with the subject line Barber Art Challenge. File title format: Your Name, Theme (e.g., Joe Bloggs, Plants). If under 18, include your age – children’s entries are judged separately. Include your social media handles if you’d like to be tagged.

Prizes:
- 18 years and over: Art materials worth over £75 provided by Cass Art, plus a runner-up prize
- Under 18s: Special children’s art prize provided by Cass Art, plus a runner-up prize

Full details available at barber.org.uk

Image credit: Angela Grabowska