Image: Candace Bahouth, Let There Be Light

England’s smallest city, big art exhibition

Established in 2012, Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) is a volunteer-led art exhibition that provides artists worldwide with the opportunity to showcase their work in the breathtaking setting of Wells Cathedral.

Known as the first Gothic cathedral in England, and often described as “the most poetic of the English cathedrals”, Wells Cathedral welcomes 18,000 visitors each month, offering an inspiring backdrop of pale stone, ethereal light, and soaring architecture.

The 2025 exhibition will take place from 8 October to 1 November, and artists will have the opportunity to win a range of prizes, including cash awards, residencies, mentoring, and more. Work may also be offered for sale.

There are two ways for artists to take part:

Exhibit in the Gallery – Selected artworks will be displayed in a white-wall gallery specially built within the Cathedral cloisters. All media are welcome, including painting, drawing, sculpture, print, photography, video, digital, textile, and mixed media. The WAC team manages the hanging and display of all works.

Create a Site-Specific Installation – Artists can submit installation proposals for the Cathedral’s interior or grounds, creating work that directly interacts with this extraordinary space. Selected artists will install their own pieces.

WAC is also delighted to support community art projects which are also part of the show.

With thanks to our sponsors

Howden UK Group Ltd JGM Gallery NG Art Creative Residency Chubb Bulleid Solicitors Martin Bowe Martin Stanley Probusiness Accountants Church House Investment Management College Green Group St Cuthberts Mill Ltd Beyond Print Somerset Art Works  Heritage Courtyard Gallery and Studios Somerset Community Foundation The Blair Foundation

If you would like to sponsor WAC, please get in touch via the contact link below.