CIRCA PRIZE 2025 TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. THE CIRCA PRIZE 2025 OPEN CALL

1.1 The CIRCA PRIZE is an annual award supporting emerging artists globally, aligned with CIRCA’s commitment to public art and its reinvestment initiative, #CIRCAECONOMY.

1.2 CIRCA invites artists worldwide to submit a 2.5-minute video work responding to the CIRCA 20:25 Manifesto theme: REFUGIA.

1.3 To submit, applicants must complete the submission form at circa.art/circa-prize/2025 and meet the following requirements:

Artwork File: Upload via Vimeo in the highest available resolution. The uploaded file must be the final version.
Artwork Dimensions: Your submitted video must be in either 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD) or 5490×2160 pixels (Piccadilly Lights format). The final presentation on the Piccadilly Lights screen will be formatted to 5490×2160 pixels. Please note that other exhibition screens may vary slightly in dimension; minor adjustments may be made by CIRCA for optimal display across different platforms. Submissions in any other dimensions will not be accepted.
Artwork Length: Strictly 2.5 minutes. Entries shorter or longer will NOT be accepted.
Subtitles: If your video includes speech, you must provide a separate subtitle file in .srt format with English subtitles. Subtitles should not be burned into (hardcoded onto) the video. The video file must remain clean, with subtitles provided as a separate file for flexibility in screening.
Content Restrictions: Your work must comply with the Entry Restrictions (Clause 12 below).
Portrait: Submit a high-resolution full-body photograph with photographer credit.
Written Materials:
- Artist Statement: 1500 characters maximum words
- Response to the Manifesto: 1500 characters maximum
- Description of CIRCA PRIZE Commissioned Work: 3000 characters maximum *this response carries significant evaluation weight.

1.4 Submissions must meet within the maximum character count and cannot be edited after submission.

1.5 A Curators’ Circle (Amal Khalaf, Samantha Ozer, Ben Broome) will shortlist 30 finalists. A jury of leading figures including Alvaro Barrington, Björk, Edward Enninful, Ebony L. Haynes, Nicoletta Fiorucci, Michèle Lamy, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Josef O’Connor, Sir Norman Rosenthal and Catherine Wood will select the winner of the £30,000 CIRCA PRIZE. A separate £10,000 Public Prize will be awarded through an online vote powered by Piccadilly Lights.

1.6 Finalists’ works will be displayed on CIRCA.ART and the Piccadilly Lights screen in London throughout September 2025 (and other screens to be confirmed).

1.7 Winners will be announced publicly on 13 October 2025 during Frieze London LIVE.

2. WHO WE ARE

The CIRCA PRIZE is presented by Circa Art Limited (Company No. 07284783), whose registered office is at 13 Hague Street, London, E2 6HN.

The Prize is funded through CIRCA’s #CIRCAECONOMY initiative — a circular community-driven model powered by the sale of artist editions and merchandise on the CIRCA platform. Profits from these sales are directly reinvested to support emerging and established artists worldwide, including through the annual CIRCA PRIZE. By participating in the CIRCA PRIZE, applicants engage with a wider public art programme committed to sustainability, accessibility, and the reinvestment of cultural value into the creative community.

3. HOW TO ENTER

3.1 The open call runs from 5:00 PM BST on 1 May 2025 to midnight 00:00 BST on 20 June 2025.

3.2 Entries received after the Closing Date will not be accepted.

3.3 Complete and submit the entry form and video via circa.art/circa-prize/2025.

3.4 Entry is free.

3.5 CIRCA will not accept:

Responsibility for lost, mislaid, damaged, or delayed entries.
Proof of sending as proof of receipt.

3.6 By entering, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

3.7 CIRCA is committed to ensuring that the CIRCA PRIZE is accessible to all eligible applicants. If you have a disability, learning difficulty, or require reasonable adjustments or assistance with your entry (such as support completing the application, submitting materials in an alternative format, or other accommodations), please contact info@circa.art as early as possible before the Closing Date. CIRCA will make reasonable efforts to support your participation and ensure an inclusive application process.

3.8 For assistance, email info@circa.art.

4. ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Open to anyone aged 18 or over, worldwide.

4.2 You confirm you are eligible to enter and may be required to provide proof.

4.3 CIRCA will not accept entries that:

Breach Entry Restrictions (Clause 12);
Are submitted in bulk;
Are illegible, altered, reconstructed, or forged;
Are copies of existing works;
Are abusive, obscene, discriminatory, harassing, derogatory, or defamatory;
Are incomplete or incorrect;
Are not exactly 2.5 minutes in length.

4.4 One entry per person.

4.5 CIRCA reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose conduct is contrary to the spirit or intention of the Prize.

5. WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

5.1 The winners will be announced publicly during a live event at Piccadilly Circus, London on 13 October 2025. By entering the CIRCA PRIZE, all entrants agree that the public announcement of their win shall constitute full acceptance of the Prize and related obligations.

5.2 CIRCA’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

5.3 Winners will be contacted via the provided email address.

5.4 If a winner does not respond within 7 days, CIRCA may select another winner.

5.5 CIRCA may publish the names of winners unless you expressly opt out by contacting info@circa.art.

5.6 Finalists agree, where reasonably practicable, to attend the live CIRCA PRIZE Ceremony at Piccadilly Circus, London, on 13 October 2025 at 20:00 BST. If a finalist is unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances (e.g., travel restrictions, personal emergencies), they agree to participate remotely (e.g., via livestream or pre-recorded message) if requested.

6. PRIZE ACCEPTANCE AND OBLIGATIONS

6.1 By entering the CIRCA PRIZE, entrants agree that, if selected as a winner, they shall automatically be bound by the obligations set out in these Terms and Conditions, without the need for any further agreement or negotiation.

The winner’s acceptance of the Prize and their obligation to produce a 10-minute moving image Artwork is automatic upon announcement of their win. CIRCA will provide the winner with procedural instructions for the Prize fulfilment, but no new contractual terms shall be introduced.

The winner must adhere to all obligations outlined in these Terms and Conditions, including delivery of the commissioned Artwork to the agreed standards and timeline.

6.2 The £30,000 CIRCA PRIZE must be used to fund the creation of a new 10-minute moving image Artwork, premiering on the Piccadilly Lights in 2027.

6.3 Prize payments:

1. £15,000 after submission and CIRCA’s approval of a Proposal (concept, timeline, budget using at least 50% of prize funds).
2. £15,000 upon satisfactory delivery and CIRCA’s written approval of the completed Artwork.

6.4 The £10,000 Public Vote Prize is a one-time cash award.

6.5 CIRCA reserves the right to substitute a prize if necessary.

6.6 Prizes are non-transferable, non-negotiable.

6.7 Any physical prize (e.g., the commemorative object created by Ai Weiwei) must be retained for personal use only may not be sold, transferred, or commercially exploited.

6.8 Taxes and expenses related to creating the Artwork are the responsibility of the Artist unless pre-approved.

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE COMMISSIONED ARTWORK

7.1 The commissioned Artwork will be jointly owned (50/50) by the Artist and CIRCA.

7.2 Neither party may commercially exploit the Artwork without prior written consent. Neither party shall unreasonably withhold or delay consent.

7.3 CIRCA shall have an exclusive right to publicly premiere the Artwork for 6 months after debut.

7.4 CIRCA may display the Artwork on additional screens or platforms with the Artist’s consent.

7.5 The Artist shall provide CIRCA with one edition of the Artwork (signed, with a certificate of authenticity) for preservation and non-commercial use.

7.6 Sale of the Artwork:

If sold by Artist: CIRCA retains 25% to be reinvested into #CIRCAECONOMY.
If sold by a third party: CIRCA retains 25% of the fee, and Artist must receive no less than 50% of the sale value.

7.7 The Artist agrees that all exhibitions, screenings, publications, or other public presentations of the Artwork shall include a visible credit acknowledging that the work was “Supported by CIRCA” or “Commissioned with support from CIRCA”, as reasonably requested by CIRCA.

7.8 The Artist grants CIRCA a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free licence to display, reproduce, publish, and communicate the commissioned Artwork, the finalist entry, and any associated materials (including promotional videos and photographs) in whole or in part:

(a) for the purposes of promoting the CIRCA PRIZE and CIRCA’s public art programmes, including but not limited to #CIRCAECONOMY initiatives;

(b) in CIRCA’s exhibitions, marketing, advertising, and fundraising materials (across physical, digital, and print platforms);

This promotional licence does not extend to commercial sales or sublicensing for profit, which shall remain subject to the mutual consent of the Artist and CIRCA.

8. PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY SUPPORT

8.1 Finalists and Prize winners agree to reasonably support CIRCA’s promotional activities relating to the CIRCA PRIZE by:

Sharing news of their shortlisting, selection, and/or win via their personal social media channels (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook).
Tagging @circa.art and including the CIRCA website link (www.circa.art) in their bios or relevant posts during the promotional period.
Participating in Instagram collaborations (such as Collab Posts), live sessions, and digital takeovers where reasonably requested by CIRCA during September 2025 and the Prize Ceremony week.

8.2CIRCA will coordinate such promotional activities with reasonable notice and in consultation with the finalist or winner to ensure alignment with their personal branding, availability, and capacity.

8.3Each finalist agrees to produce and submit a short video (approximately 1–2 minutes in length) introducing themselves and explaining:

Why they believe they should be awarded the CIRCA PRIZE; and
The concept or project they would seek to develop with the Prize funds, should they be selected as the winner.

The video may be filmed simply using an iPhone, smartphone, laptop, or similar device. Professional production is not required. This video will be provided to the Curators’ Circle and the CIRCA PRIZE jury to assist in the evaluation and selection process. CIRCA reserves the right to use all or part of the video in public communications, including online promotion, exhibition materials, and social media campaigns relating to the CIRCA PRIZE. By submitting the video, finalists grant CIRCA a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, and publish the video for promotional purposes connected to the CIRCA PRIZE. CIRCA will make reasonable efforts to consult finalists before any significant public use of the full video.

9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

CIRCA shall not be liable for any loss, damage, personal injury, or death except where caused by CIRCA’s negligence, fraud, or gross negligence. Your statutory rights are unaffected.

10. RIGHTS IN THE ENTRY

10.1 By entering, you grant CIRCA a non-exclusive worldwide licence to use, display, publish, transmit, copy, edit, and sublicense your entry for promotional purposes.

10.2 You warrant:

You own all rights in your entry.
Your entry does not infringe any third-party rights.
Your entry is lawful and not defamatory, obscene, or unlawful.

10.3 Finalists agree that their submitted entry may be displayed publicly (physically, digitally, or virtually) by CIRCA as part of CIRCA’s exhibitions or marketing, regardless of whether they ultimately win a Prize.

11. DATA PROTECTION AND PUBLICITY

CIRCA will process your personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

12. GENERAL

12.1 CIRCA may, acting reasonably, disqualify entries or cancel the Prize if necessary.

12.2 These Terms are governed by English law. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of England and Wales.

13. ENTRY RESTRICTIONS

13.1 The Entry Restrictions below are imposed to comply with the content standards and broadcasting regulations applicable to the Piccadilly Lights screen (owned and operated by Land Securities PLC) and other public platforms where finalist artworks may be exhibited. CIRCA reserves the right to reject or disqualify any entry that does not meet these mandatory platform requirements.

13.2 No sexualised nudity, drug use, explicit violence, or threatening imagery.

13.3 No material promoting crime, terrorism, or disorder.

13.4 Topical social/political issues must be treated sensitively; no hate speech.

13.5 Inappropriate content will not be broadcast pre-watershed.

13.6 No direct political or religious endorsements.

13.7 No flashing imagery or strobe effects.

13.8 Avoid third-party brands or logos without permission.

13.9 Respect third-party privacy rights when submitting work featuring identifiable individuals.

14. PUBLIC CONDUCT AND NON-DISPARAGEMENT

14.1 By entering, applicants agree to engage with CIRCA professionally and respectfully.

14.2 Applicants must not publicly disparage, misrepresent, or damage the reputation of CIRCA, its partners, or its decision-making processes, particularly regarding entry assessments or enforcement of Entry Restrictions.

14.3 CIRCA’s decisions regarding Entry Restrictions, selection, and awards are final and made in good faith.

14.4 A breach of this clause will constitute a material breach, entitling CIRCA to seek injunctive relief, damages, and disqualification from the Prize.

14.5 Any breach of this Section 14 shall be without prejudice to CIRCA’s other legal rights and remedies, including the right to seek injunctive relief and damages.

15. WARRANTIES

15.1 By submitting an entry, you warrant that:

(a) You are the sole creator and owner of the work;

(b) The work does not infringe any third party’s intellectual property or privacy rights;

(d) You have obtained all necessary permissions from any third parties featured in the work.

16. FORCE MAJEURE

16.1 CIRCA shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms and Conditions where such failure or delay results from any cause beyond CIRCA’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, government restrictions, natural disaster, pandemic, or failure of suppliers, public utilities, or communications networks.

17. THIRD PARTY INDEMNITY

17.1 By entering the CIRCA PRIZE, entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Circa Art Limited, Land Securities PLC (Landsec), and any associated partners or platform providers (including operators of the Piccadilly Lights screen) from and against any claims, demands, proceedings, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or in connection with:

(a) any breach of these Terms and Conditions;

(b) any infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights by the entrant’s submitted work; or

17.2 Entrants acknowledge that the public display of artworks via the Piccadilly Lights screen is subject to Landsec’s Terms and Conditions (Clause 13 above) and platform restrictions, and that neither CIRCA nor Landsec shall be responsible for any modification, interruption, or cancellation of displays due to technical, legal, or regulatory requirements.