York Conservation Trust has launched a new art competition as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations – and here’s how you can get involved.
York Conservation Trust has launched People Not Walls: A Living City, a new drawing and art competition inviting artists of all ages from across York and North Yorkshire to celebrate the city’s living heritage.
The competition forms part of the Trust’s 50th anniversary programme and challenges entrants to look beyond York’s famous historic buildings to capture the relationship between people and place.
From bustling streets and community gatherings to quiet moments, work, leisure and celebration, artists are encouraged to show how York’s historic environment continues to shape everyday life.
Entrants are invited to create original artwork inspired by one or more of the buildings and places cared for by York Conservation Trust, as featured on the specially commissioned YCT50 map.
The competition is open to all ages and abilities, with submissions welcomed in a wide range of traditional and mixed-media formats.
The theme reflects the Trust’s belief that heritage is about more than preserving historic buildings – it’s about supporting the communities that continue to use, enjoy and shape those places today.
Guy Bowyer, chief executive of York Conservation Trust, said: “We are inviting people to look at York in a different way. Our historic buildings provide the backdrop, but it is the people who live, work and spend time in the city who give these places meaning.
“We are excited to see how artists interpret the theme and capture York as a living, evolving city.”
The panel of judges includes local artist Elliott Harrison, creator of the specially commissioned YCT50 map; local artist Ric Liptrot, whose work featured in York Conservation Trust’s 2024 campaign; and York Conservation Trust Operations Manager Lizzie Taylor.
Prizes include Topping & Company Booksellers vouchers worth £500 for first place, £300 for second place and £200 for third place, along with invitations to a special awards ceremony at York Theatre Royal.
The closing date for entries is 10 August 2026.
Winning and selected artworks will be exhibited at York Theatre Royal in September 2026 as part of York Conservation Trust’s anniversary celebrations.
Full competition details and entry information are available here.
