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Save the Date! Saturday 2nd August 2025

Art in the City
17th August 2024

Art In The City is an event for all in Gloucester City centre.

Join us in Gloucester for a creative day! ‘Plein Air’ painting competition and exhibition.

Compete for prizes and enjoy a day of art. Register now!

In it’s seventh year Art In The City looks to host both professional artists and present the opportunity for amateurs and first-timers to get involved.

2024 Itinerary Includes

Competitions

Plein Air

Open Art

Family Fun

2024s Competition Prizes

Plein Air Competition

1st Prize – £500
2nd Prize – £150
3rd Prize – £100

Highly commended x 2 – £25 Art materials Vouchers

Winners exhibited at Gloucester Framing on Commercial Road

Family Competition

Free Art Packs for the first 100 families registered

Prizes for the best family artwork

Free food and refreshments

2024 Plein Air Judges

Tushar Sabale | Oil Artist
Visit www.tusharsabale.com

Jane Clatworthy | Contemporary British Painter
Visit Tewkesbury Art Studio

Sarah Darby | Cotswold Painter
Visit Sarah Darby

Russell Haines | Gloucester Artist
Visit Haines Art

2024 Family Competition Judges

Julie Kent MBE | Hero
Visit Julie Kent MBE

Lisa Turner | Gloucester Artist
Visit Lisa Turner

DO I HAVE TO USE PAINT?

You can create a picture in any medium you like as long as you can do it in a day. Oils, watercolours, acrylic, pastels, pen and ink, lino cuts and mixed media but you must be able to create it in day. We do not accept photography.

CAN I MAKE SOME OUTLINES OR PREPARATORY SKETCHES ON MY CANVAS/BOARD?

All materials must be blank and not pre-prepared with background or other preparatory sketches but we will accept primed surfaces.

CAN I PAINT ANYWHERE IN THE CITY?

You can pick anywhere to paint in the set area which covers the pedestrianised Gate Streets (Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, Southgate etc), Kings Square, Cathedral grounds and Gloucester Docks. 

Please remember don’t do anything that would break the law or cause a public nuisance while painting. Common sense is the watchword.

CAN I ENTER A PICTURE I PAINTED BEFOREHAND?

No, the whole idea and fun of Art in the City is that everyone creates a picture from scratch in just one day.

Please remember don’t do anything that would break the law or cause a public nuisance while painting. Common sense is the watchword.

WHERE IS THE REGISTRATION HUB?

The Registration Hub is at St Nicholas’ Church on Westgate Street.

WHY DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE REGISTRATION POINT FIRST BEFORE I GET PAINTING?

Because we will need to see your confirmation email and put a small stamp on the back of your canvas as proof that you started the day with it completely blank.

CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE PICTURE?
We can only accept one artwork from each artist but that could be created on more than one surface.
DO I HAVE TO PAINT OUTDOORS?
We’d like everyone to paint outdoors, because that’s the essence of Art in the City. Please be aware that you must bring some cover for your painting in the form of a parasol /umbrella if the weather is not good. Gazebos are not permitted.
IS THERE A MAXIMUM OR MINIMUM SIZE FOR ENTRIES?
No, but all entries need to be suitable to place on an easel.
CAN I BRING MY FINISHED ARTWORK BACK TO THE REGISTRATION POINT ANY TIME DURING SATURDAY?
Yes, any time before 5pm as we will not accept any entries submitted after this time.
DOES MY PICTURE HAVE TO BE FRAMED?
Framing isn’t essential. However, you will need to attach wire or cord  to the back of the canvas for it to be hung on the hooks provided.
IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SELL MY ARTWORK?
Yes. You can provide your email address to go on the label next to your artwork in order for visitors to contact you. You are free to arrange a private sale. Unlike other painting events, we will not charge any commission.

What else is on?

Gloucester Open: Open Studios and Art Trail

Gloucester Open showcases  the work of local artists in their own studios and in selected City Centre venues. 

Throughout August 2024, selected city centre venues will exhibit work by Gloucester artists.

In addition many shops, banks and cafés in the city have ‘adopted a local artist’ with a piece of their artwork displayed in the window. 

In the last week of August, six  Gloucester artist studios are open to visit with nine local artists showing their work.

Not all the venues and studios are open every day, so be sure to check before you  visit.

Submergence Gloucester

Squidsoup welcomes you to play and explore within the installation, to touch the lights, to make lots of noise, lie or sit down, lose yourself and become completely absorbed within this amazing experience. Offering a highly sensory, open space for families to come together.

Supported by Arts Council England, Gloucester BID and The University of Plymouth we are pleased to announce a series of specialist workshops, play sessions, and special events involving music and movement as part of the Submergence Gloucester programme with Vilk Collective, Bleephaus, The Music Works, GARAS and more.

Colouring Gloucester

Gloucester BID and Gloucestershire College have produced an activity book with the Graphic Design Students.

You can pick one up at The Folk of Gloucester, Hetty’s Place, Wholly Gelato at Gloucester Food Dock, Brimbles, Mister’s and, soon, other places.

Free but donations to where you pick one up is welcomed.

We were so pleased to be asked to participate in this project. Even the tutors got involved! 

This kind of partnership really gives our learners the chance to work with local employers and engage in community spirited work. We were involved in the whole process, from briefing to seeing the final printed outcomes. I’m looking forward to the learners seeing the finished colouring books when they come back to college on September. – Jess Philips, Tutor at Glos Col

Supported by:

© 2024 | Art in the City, Funded by Gloucester BID | Website Designed & Built by the Nettl of Gloucester