The 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition is one of the most anticipated annual art events in New York City’s vibrant Chelsea district, offering an exceptional platform for visual artists worldwide to showcase their talents. This year, the exhibition runs from August 20 to 27, 2025, at the celebrated Agora Gallery, with a grand opening reception on Thursday, August 21, 6:00–8:00 PM.
Overview and Significance
Organized by New York Art Competitions, this prestigious competition invites painters, sculptors, photographers, and mixed-media artists over the age of 18 to compete for international recognition. Rejecting AI-generated art to emphasize human creativity, the competition serves as an ideal intersection of fine art and photography, welcoming diverse styles and mediums.
Artists benefit from exposure not only through the carefully curated group exhibition in one of New York’s key art venues but also via significant prize incentives and extensive promotional support. This event is a vital stepping stone for emerging talents and established artists seeking to expand their presence in the global art market.
Exhibition Features
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Curated Group Exhibition: Thirty selected artists display their works in a collective show at Agora Gallery, located at 530 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10001. The gallery offers an intimate yet high-profile setting in the heart of Chelsea's dynamic art scene.
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Opening Reception: A lively event on August 21 presents an excellent opportunity for artists, collectors, curators, and the public to engage directly.
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Diverse Mediums and Artistic Approaches: The competition accepts submissions in painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, drawing, printing, and mixed media. Video art, film, jewelry, performance art, crafts, and AI-generated art are excluded.
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Legitimate Prize Pool: Over $70,000 in prizes is awarded, including five $1,000 cash awards, online promotion on ARTmine.com for one year, and honorable mentions with waived entry to the next competition. Selected artists receive PR and social media coverage, amplifying their visibility to collectors and the art community.
Jury
The 2025 finalists were selected by a distinguished panel including:
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Molly Scheu Boarati, independent curatorial consultant
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Donna Harkavy, curator and Museum Advisory Board member at the Munson-Williams-Procter Arts Institute
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Nico W. Okoro, curator, writer, and founder of BLDG Fund, LLC
Their expertise ensures a diverse and high-quality selection, reflecting current trends and outstanding creativity.
Entry and Submission Details
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Submission Deadline: May 4, 2025 (extended)
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Entry Fee: $55 for up to 5 images; $5 for each additional image
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Image Requirements: JPEGs with titles, dimensions, and medium details
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Size Limits: 2D works up to 75 x 85 inches; 3D works up to 72 x 72 x 24 inches
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Open to: All visual artists worldwide aged 18 and over
Why Participate?
By entering, artists gain a rare chance for:
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Exhibition in New York City: Placement within the high-profile Chelsea art district enhances market visibility and collector interest.
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Financial Awards: Cash prizes support artistic development.
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Professional Promotion: A year of online spotlighting drives career momentum.
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Networking: Interaction with art professionals, collectors, and peers during the reception and exhibition period.
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Career Growth: Several past participants report further opportunities opening from exposure through this competition.
Visual and Information Sources
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Prize and submission details: Deartline 39th Chelsea Competition
FAQ
Q: What types of artwork are eligible for the 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition?
A: The competition accepts painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital media, printmaking, and mixed media. Video art, performance, jewelry, crafts, and AI-generated works are excluded.
Q: When and where is the exhibition held?
A: August 20–27, 2025, at Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th Street, New York City. The opening reception is August 21, 6–8 PM.
Q: Who can participate?
A: All visual artists worldwide aged 18 or older.
Q: What prizes are awarded?
A: Five artists receive $1,000 each, five artists get one year of online promotion on ARTmine.com, and ten artists receive honorable mentions with waived entry fees for the next year.
Q: How do I submit my work?
A: Submit JPEG images of your artwork with titles, sizes, and media details by the deadline via the official competition site with an entry fee of $55 covering five images.
Q: Is AI-generated art allowed?
A: No, the competition excludes AI-generated artwork to focus on human artistic expression.
Q: How does participating benefit artists?
A: Exhibition exposure, networking, financial awards, online promotion, and potential career advancement within the NYC and international art scenes.
This year’s 39th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition at Agora Gallery continues its tradition of supporting and promoting excellence in contemporary art, serving as a pivotal event for artists looking to gain institutional recognition and connect with the art community in one of the world’s most iconic cultural centers.