Theme: Hidden in Plain Sight
Some things are seen but never truly noticed.
This year’s theme invites artists to look beyond the obvious and explore the stories, emotions, identities, and meanings that exist beneath the surface.
We encourage artists to think creatively around concepts such as optical illusion, hidden truths, secret identities, double meanings, overlooked beauty, masked emotions, and the things society often fails to see. Your artwork could challenge perception, reveal something unexpected, or tell a story that only becomes clear when viewed from a different perspective.
This is an opportunity to create work that makes people stop, look again, and discover something they didn’t notice at first glance.
Whether your interpretation is emotional, surreal, thought-provoking, dark, beautiful, or abstract, we want to see pieces that spark curiosity and invite deeper connection.
Create artwork that reveals what has been there all along… hidden in plain sight.
Competition Information
Date: Thursday 8th October 2026
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, Coventry
Entry Fee: £50 for solo entry. £75 for pairs entry
Categories
Novice
For artists who have never entered a body painting competition before.
Open
For artists with previous competition experience.
Advanced
This category should be entered if:
- You have previously placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in international body painting competitions
CATEGORIES TBC BASED ON ENTRY NUMBERS
Timings
- Registration opens from 10:00am
- Staggered start times will begin from 11:00am (final timings will be confirmed once entrant numbers are known)
- Painting time: 5 hours
- The catwalk presentation will begin from 7:00pm in front of our VIP guests as part of the official opening of the convention
What’s Included
Your entry fee will include:
- Buffet meal for artists and model
- Refreshments throughout the day
- Competition entry
- Opportunity to win cash prizes up to £500 and goodie bags
- Photography
Sponsored by BAPIA, Superstar and Snazaroo
Important Information
- You will need to source your own model
- One table will be provided per artist/team
- You must provide your own table cover
- Chairs will be available, however if you choose to use one, you are responsible for ensuring it is fully covered
- You are also welcome to bring your own chair if preferred