'You've got to be in it to win it': The search is on for Lancashire Artist of the Year 2025
Lancashire's reigning Artist of the Year has spoken of the huge impact winning the competition has had on her life and career, as the search begins for 2025's winner.
Artists of all abilities are invited to submit their entries for a chance to gain recognition, showcase their work, and join the ranks of Lancashire’s most esteemed creatives.
We are asking them to produce a piece of artwork depicting their favourite Lancashire view in spring, summer, autumn or winter.
Kathryn Alice was named Lancashire Artist of the Year 2024 after capturing the hearts of the public with her depiction of Blackpool Tower on a summer's day.
Kathryn revealed she also entered the competition in 2023 but didn't get shortlisted. Undeterred, she re-entered again in 2024 and won.
"I never would have thought, from painting Blackpool Tower and entering, the amount of votes and people messaging me, complete strangers, I would have won," she said.
"It just goes to show, you've got to be in it to win it."
Kathryn was named Lancashire Artist of the Year in 2024
Kathryn said that winning the competition has had a profound impact on her confidence.
"Getting recognition for something you love, your passion, it's just been a huge confidence boost," she said.
"To be able to come into places and say you are Lancashire Artist of the Year and add it to your CV and portfolio. I've ended up with a commission for St Anne's Council for the 150th anniversary. It really has made a difference."
Kathryn's journey to this point has not been without challenges. Around two years ago, she struggled with emotional and physical burnout. After speaking to her GP, she picked up the paintbrush and hasn't stopped since.
Her artistic journey took an exciting turn recently when Oli Martin, Executive Chef at Preston's Aven restaurant and Masterchef: The Professionals finalist reached out after seeing her paintings at Beurre Patisserie in St Annes.
Oli, who is a distant relative, commissioned Kathryn to create paintings for his Preston restaurant, Aven. Her pieces, including Oli's signature butter pie and a depiction of Lytham estuary, are now on display and for sale at the restaurant.
Reflecting on her experience, Kathryn said: "It's just been the best thing ever, and I just want to say I can't thank Lancashire County Council enough for putting on an amazing competition and giving artists the opportunity to put themselves out there."
Kathryn with Oli Martin, Executive Chef, Aven
Kathryn's message to anyone considering entering this year's competition is clear.
She said: "Do it, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it's just about doing it. It’s a learning process, it's therapeutic, it's good for your confidence just to put yourself out there.
"The worst that can happen is it isn’t shortlisted, that's the worst that can happen, but you still have your own piece of art. I did it one year and didn’t get through and it didn't stop me the next year and it shouldn't stop anybody else."
The winning entries will feature in our Lancashire Artist of the Year 2026 calendar, with the proceeds going towards activities for care leavers in Lancashire.
Last year, £2,548 was raised from the sale of the 2025 calendars.
Councillor Peter Buckley, cabinet member for Community and Cultural Services, said:
"As Lancashire Artist of the Year returns for its third year, I am happy to once again celebrate our county's natural beauty, discover the incredible talent of our local artists and support our young care leavers.
"This inclusive event welcomes artists of all ages and abilities, with the winning artists featuring in our 2026 calendar.
"Thank you to all past participants, and I encourage everyone to enter. Your creativity and passion is an inspiration to us all. Best of luck to all 2025 entrants."
The deadline for entries to Lancashire Artist of the Year 2025 is Wednesday 4 June, 2025.
All forms of 2D artwork are accepted (excluding photography and all forms of digital media), including paintings, sketches or collages.
The artworks submitted must be the entrants' own original piece, which has not previously been published or exhibited.
Entries must be painted in landscape as we will not be able to accept any entries painted in portrait.
Full eligibility criteria and entry instructions can be found in the terms and conditions.
For more information, visit lancashire.gov.uk/artist-of-the-year