The 2026 Art Competition is now open.

This competition has been running since 1980 – originally entrants turned up one day and painted/sketched in whatever media they wished to use – and hand in the finished piece at the end of the day. For the past 15 years, however, we have opened up the competition to entrants to complete work over a longer period of time.

Entrants have until 10th October to enter the competition, and should email the parish clerk with your name, address and email to register. Following the closing date, entrants will need to drop their work off at the Mining Museum (Pavilion) in Matlock Bath. Over the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October 2026, all work will be displayed. We will invite members of the public to vote for their favourites; this will determine the winners.

To register for this competition please email your name, email, address to the parish clerk by email at clerk@matlockbathparishcouncil.gov.uk

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

Adults – 1st Prize – £150, 2nd Prize – £100, 3rd Prize – £50, Best Villager – £50, Parish Council Prize – £50 (chosen by the Parish Council) and Most Creative and Innovative – £50.

The competition is open to Young Artists aged 14-16.

Entrants can use any media they wish – painting, drawing, graphics, 3D, textiles etc. The only stipulation is that the finished work has to be of Matlock Bath.

Click here for the rules of the competition – please ensure you read them prior to entering.