21 April 2026
Through Our Eyes: Veterans’ Voices in Art
A national art competition for veterans across Scotland
What does your Scotland look like after service?
The Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) invites veterans across Scotland to share their experiences through art—honest, personal, and entirely your own.
This is your story. Your perspective. Your Scotland.
Why this matters
Life after service isn’t one story—it’s thousands.
Some of them are about belonging.
Some are about loss, change, or starting again.
Some are about finding purpose in unexpected places.
This competition is about making those experiences visible.
By taking part, you’re helping to:
- Show the reality of life as a veteran in Scotland
- Challenge assumptions and stereotypes
- Build a stronger sense of connection across the veteran community
Who can enter
- Veterans living in Scotland
- All ages and artistic abilities welcome
- No formal training needed
Whether you’ve been creating for years or this is your first piece, you’re welcome here.
The theme
My Service, My Scotland
Create a piece of art that represents your experience living as a veteran in Scotland.
That could mean:
- The shift from military to civilian life
- A place in Scotland that means something to you
- Identity, pride, or loss
- Community, isolation, or belonging
- The small, everyday moments that define your life now
There’s no single way to tell this story—only yours.
What you can submit
We welcome a wide range of visual art, including:
- Painting and drawing
- Photography
- Digital art
- Sculpture (submitted as photographs)
- Mixed media
If it helps you express something real, it belongs here.
Guest Judges
The competition will be judged by a panel of SVWA representatives along with guest judges from the art world.
How to enter
Getting involved is simple:
- Create your artwork
- Take a clear photo (or upload your digital piece)
- Submit veterans@health-in-mind.org.uk along with a short description about your work
Submission Deadline – 3rd June 2026
What you could win
- First Prize £250
- Runners up & Peoples Choice Award will receive Art vouchers
- Featured across SVWA platforms
- Exhibition opportunities
- Selected artworks will also be shared online, alongside the stories behind them.
More than a competition
This is about being seen.
As part of SVWA’s wider work, this campaign highlights the importance of wellbeing, identity, and connection beyond service.
You don’t need to explain everything. You just need to show something that’s true
Rules
1. Overview
The Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) Veterans Open Art Competition invites veterans across Scotland to submit original artwork inspired by the competition theme.
The competition aims to celebrate creativity, share lived experiences and raise awareness of the veteran community.
2. Eligibility
- Open to military veterans residing in Scotland
- All ages and artistic abilities welcome (including beginners)
- Serving reservists
- Former members of UK Armed Forces
3. Competition Theme
Theme: ‘My Scotland, My Service’ – Art that represents your experience as a veteran living in Scotland
- Entries should respond to the theme in any way the artist interprets it
- Artists are encouraged to include a short description explaining their work
4. Accepted Artwork
We welcome a wide range of visual art forms, including:
- Painting (all mediums)
- Drawing
- Photography
- Digital art
- Sculpture (submitted as photographs)
- Mixed media
Requirements:
- All work must be original
- Work must not infringe on copyright
- AI-generated artwork should be declared
5. Submission Guidelines
Submit via email to – veterans@health-in-mind.org.uk
Each entry must include:
- Artist name
- Contact details
- Confirmation of veteran status
- Title of artwork
- Medium used
- Short description (max 150–200 words recommended)
- High-quality image(s) of the artwork
File requirements:
- JPEG or PNG format
- Minimum recommended resolution: 300dpi or clear, well-lit images
Entry limit:
- Maximum of 2 entries per person
6. Key Dates
- Competition launch: 22nd April 2026
- Submission deadline: 3rd June 2026
- Public voting: 10th June 2026
- Winners announced: 20th June 2026
Late entries will not be accepted.
7. Judging Process
Entries will be judged based on:
- Creativity and originality
- Interpretation of the theme
- Emotional impact / storytelling
- Overall presentation
Judging panel:
Representatives from SVWA
Guest judges:
A People’s Choice Award will be decided by public vote via social media
Judges’ decisions are final.
8. Prizes
- First place: £250 cash prize
- Runners up & People’s Choice: Art Supply Vouchers
- Featured across SVWA platforms
- Exhibition opportunities
- Selected artworks will also be shared online, alongside the stories behind them.
9. Use of Artwork
By entering, participants agree that:SVWA may use submitted images for:
- Social media
- Website
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Press and PR activity
Artists will always be credited where possible
Artists retain full ownership (copyright) of their work
10. Safeguarding & Content Guidelines
Entries must not contain:
- Offensive, discriminatory, or hateful content
- Explicit or graphic material unsuitable for public display
Content reflecting personal or sensitive experiences is welcome, but SVWA reserves the right to decline work deemed inappropriate for public platforms.
11. Data Protection
Personal data will be used solely for:
- Administering the competition
- Contacting entrants
Data will be handled in accordance with GDPR and not shared with third parties without consent
12. Liability
SVWA is not responsible for:
- Lost, late, or incomplete submissions
- Technical issues affecting entry
- Entrants are responsible for ensuring their work does not breach copyright or third-party rights
13. Agreement to Rules
By submitting an entry, participants confirm that:
- They have read and agree to these rules
- The work is their own original creation
- All information provided is accurate
14. Contact
For any questions, please contact: veterans@health-in-mind.org.uk