York Conservation Trust Launches ‘People Not Walls’ Art Competition for 50th Anniversary

15 June 2026

York Conservation Trust is inviting people of all ages across York and North Yorkshire to take part in a new art and drawing competition celebrating the city’s distinctive historic character and the communities that bring it to life.

Launched as part of the Trust’s 50th anniversary programme, People Not Walls: A Living City challenges entrants to look beyond York’s iconic architecture and explore the relationship between its historic buildings and the people who use them every day.

York is internationally recognised for its remarkable built heritage, but it is the daily activity within and around these spaces that gives the city its unique identity. This competition reflects the Trust’s belief that heritage is about far more than preserving buildings – it is about celebrating how those places continue to support work, creativity, commerce and connection in a modern, living city.

Celebrating a Living City

Entrants are encouraged to capture scenes that reflect how York’s historic environment remains an active part of contemporary life. Whether it’s a medieval hall hosting events, a historic shopfront serving customers, or a centuries-old home adapted for modern living, the competition invites artists to explore how heritage evolves through use. 
Rather than focusing solely on architecture, submissions should highlight the relationship between people and place—from bustling street scenes and everyday routines to quieter moments of reflection, leisure and celebration.

Open to All Ages and Abilities

The competition is open to artists of all ages and abilities, with entries welcome in a wide variety of styles and media, from traditional drawing and painting to mixed and conceptual work.
All artworks must feature at least one property cared for by York Conservation Trust, as identified on the specially commissioned YCT50 map. These buildings represent some of York’s most significant historic spaces and continue to play an integral role in the city’s daily life.

Exhibition and Prizes

A panel of judges will assess entries based on creativity, originality, technical skill and interpretation of the theme. Selected and winning artworks will be showcased in an exhibition at York Theatre Royal in September 2026, forming a key part of the Trust’s anniversary celebrations.
Prizes include:

First prize: £500 voucher from Topping & Company Booksellers
Second prize: £300 voucher
Third prize: £200 voucher

Winners will also be invited to attend a special awards ceremony at York Theatre Royal.

How to Enter

The closing date for entries is 10 August 2026.
Full competition details, rules and entry information can be found here:

People Not Walls: A Living City offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what makes York special—not just its historic walls and buildings, but the people who give them meaning. Through this competition, York Conservation Trust invites the community to celebrate a city where heritage is not frozen in time, but alive, evolving and deeply connected to everyday life.