Mote Park Art Competition Looks For ‘Park Life’ Inspiration

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is delighted to announce the return of the popular Mote Park Art Competition for 2026, which is now open for entries.

Once again, budding artists are invited to create a piece of original artwork to enter into the competition, and the theme for this year is ‘Park Life’. Artists are free to interpret this however they wish, and inspiration could come from the wildlife and diverse flora, or how the park is used by people: family picnics, days out with friends, enjoying a music festival, or something else entirely.

Artwork for the Mote Park Art Competition can be in any medium, except photography. 3D submissions including textiles, glass, pottery and woodwork are particularly welcome, as well as paintings and drawings.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, MBC Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, has celebrated the competition, saying:

This annual Art Competition is a great way for people to share a favourite time they have spent in the fabulous Mote Park, which is an amazing jewel in the County Town’s crown. I look forward to seeing all of the varied entries to the competition and would encourage as many people as possible to get creative and take part, especially first-time entrants.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories, sponsored by Marathon Wealth Management:

• Over 18’s winner - £250; runner up  - £100
• Under 18’s winner - £100; runner up - £50

The competition is open to any age and the closing date for entries is 20 September 2026. Full terms and conditions and how to enter can be found at https://arts.maidstone.gov.uk

Once the competition closes, a number of the entries will be shortlisted to feature in an exhibition which will be open to the public and free to visit in the Mote Park Learning Space. From Monday 26 October to Saturday 8 November 2026, come and see the creations of talented local artists, inspired by the Green Flag Award-winning park.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be invited to vote for their own favourite artwork, and the winner of the ‘Visitors’ Vote’ will receive a voucher for art materials.

MBC envisions a Fairer Economy for People and Planet where a thriving cultural community supports local creatives, and bringing people and planet together through this competition achieves this priority.

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