THE Aesthetica Art Prize has announced a new prize of £5,000 for its winner, as well as a number of potentially career-boosting prizes for finalists. These include group exhibitions, publication in an anthology and editorial coverage in Aesthetica Magazine.

A new partnership between Hiscox and Aesthetica Art Prize has allowed for the substantial increase in prize money. Submissions close on August 31.

The prize aims to celebrate excellence in art from across the world, offering artists the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience.

The competition is looking for art which conveys a message, something which inspires, questions, debates or reflects the world we live in. This year’s winner, Sybille Neumeyer, said: “It’s important not only for an artist to have a message but equally to have ways of connecting with people too.”

There are four categories: photographic and digital art; three-dimensional design and sculpture; painting and drawing, and video, installation and performance.

The main winner will be chosen by a panel of curators, artists and the editor of Aesthetica magazine, Cherie Federico.

Cherie said: “We recognise that there is great value in supporting emerging artists and are delighted we are able to offer the substantial prize of £5,000. It is a rare opportunity for artists at this stage in their career to receive this sum of money in addition to a group exhibition and publication in an anthology of 100 top international artists."

A long list of 100 artists will be selected and published in the Aesthetica Art Prize Anthology. From this list eight finalists and two winners will be chosen.

The eight finalists will be featured in a group exhibition next March and the winners will be announced at the exhibition opening. This year, the exhibition, featuring 2014’s winners, took place at York St Mary’s Church.

For more information or to submit a piece of art visit, aestheticamagazine.com/artprize