Somewhere special
A favourite park, your garden, a holiday memory or a cosy corner at home.
Don Valley Festival · Art Competition 2027
Art is where we feel at home.
The theme for our 2027 Art Competition is My Happy Place. Show us the places, people or memories that make you happy. Use any artistic medium. The My Happy Place theme applies to digital art too.
2027 competition theme · all art media
What does your happy place look like?
It might be somewhere you love to go, a person who makes you smile, a favourite memory, or simply a feeling of belonging. There's no single right answer. We want to see how you interpret the theme in your own way.
Someone you love
Family, friends or a companion who makes your world a happier place.
A moment of joy
A hobby, celebration, shared experience or anything that sparks happiness.
2027 competition details
Everyone has a place in art.
The competition is free to enter, with up to two entries per person. There are four prize categories based on age.
Entry feeFreeThere is no charge to enter
Maximum entriesTwoPer person
Art mediumAnyDigital art is welcome too
Four prize categories
7 & underYears
8–11Years
12–15Years
16 & overYears
Meet the judge
Michael Fowler
We are pleased to welcome local artist and author Michael Fowler as the judge of our 2027 Art Competition.
View Michael’s Facebook profileDates for your diary
Create, enter, celebrate.
Make a note of the key dates for the 2027 Art Competition and exhibition.
Art entries close2 March 2027
The closing date for Art and Photography entries.
Art exhibition20–21 March 2027
See the exhibition on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March, during the 19–21 March Festival.
Certificates & trophies20 March · 11am
Saturday morning, in the photography exhibition area at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy.
Taking part
Three steps to get involved.
Whether you're trying something new or creating regularly, we'd love you to consider entering. Please check the published conditions before sending or delivering artwork.
Choose your age category
Choose the appropriate prize category: 7 and under, 8–11, 12–15, or 16 and over. Under the Festival Regulations, age is calculated on 31 January 2027.
Read Festival Regulations ↗Make your artwork
Create your own original artwork inspired by My Happy Place. Any medium can be used. Digital artwork must also follow the My Happy Place theme, and all work must comply with the original-work and generative-AI regulations. You may enter up to two pieces.
Explore the theme ↑Label and submit
For physical artwork, write your name, age and telephone number on the back. Entry is free, and the deadline is 2 March 2027. Submission instructions for digital art, and delivery and collection arrangements, will be confirmed.
Ask about submission arrangements ↗Before bringing in your artworkThe fee, age categories and labelling instructions above are confirmed by the 2027 competition poster. Artwork delivery and collection arrangements, plus the procedure for submitting digital art, have not yet been specified. Please contact the Festival team if you need these details.
See the artwork
Enjoy the exhibition.
Come and enjoy the 2027 Art Competition exhibition on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Edlington, Doncaster. The wider Festival runs from 19 to 21 March.
About Don Valley Festival ↗Frequently asked questions
Good to know.
How much does it cost to enter?
It is free to enter the Art Competition. You may enter a maximum of two artworks per person.
What are the age categories?
There are four prize categories: age 7 and under, ages 8 to 11, ages 12 to 15, and age 16 and over. Ages are calculated on 31 January 2027 under the Festival Regulations.
Does my art have to follow the My Happy Place theme?
Yes. Both traditional and digital artwork must reflect the My Happy Place theme. You can use any artistic medium, including digital media. All submitted work must be your own and comply with the Festival Regulations, including the rules on generative AI.
Who is judging the competition?
Michael Fowler, a local artist and author, is the judge for the 2027 Art Competition.
What information should I put on my artwork?
For physical artwork, please write your name, age and telephone number on the back. Instructions for digital submissions will be confirmed.
When can I see the exhibition?
Artwork will be exhibited on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2027 at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Edlington, Doncaster.
Where and when do I deliver or collect artwork?
The final delivery, collection and digital submission arrangements have not yet been provided. Please contact the Festival team before bringing in artwork.
Stay in the picture.
For Art competition updates, entry details and Festival news, join our mailing list or follow us on Facebook.