Octopus Energy challenges young artists to reinvent a greener future

Octopus Energy are inviting budding artists across the UK to put their creativity to work and imagine a greener future, with the chance to win cash, internships and the opportunity to see their work displayed across the UK.

To celebrate this year’s Turner Prize, hosted by the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA – part of Teesside University), Octopus Energy is launching a new UK-wide art competition.

The theme is ‘Reinvention’. The competition asks primary, secondary and university students aged 5 to 25 to imagine what the future could look like. It invites them to explore how we might reinvent ourselves, our communities and the systems we rely on for the good of the planet.

What the judges are looking for

The judges panel includes Diane Watson, environmental artist, Laura Sillars, director of MIMA and Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy. They will be looking at how the submissions use art to show what their personal vision is for the future.

There’s a range of prizes up for grabs. 100 artists could each win £100, while 10 schools can each win £500. Octopus Energy is even offering internships to three students who are looking to kickstart their careers.

The winning artwork will have the opportunity to be supersized onto ad spaces across the UK. This will give the artists behind the ideas a chance to share their inspirational vision with a huge audience.

How to enter

Artists can enter using any medium or material they like – from painting, to sculpture, mixed media, digital work and beyond. The only thing that’s off the canvas is AI.

People can enter individually or as part of a school group at this link. Entries close on 31 October, and winners will be announced on 9 December.  

Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, chief customer officer at Octopus Energy, said:

“The creativity and optimism of children (I’ve got 4 myself) brings me joy and hope for the future of our planet – and I can’t wait to see what these young talents dream up.”

Dr Laura Sillars, dean of culture and creativity, director of MIMA said:

“At Teesside University, creativity, innovation and the courage to rethink established ideas are at the heart of everything we do. The Reinvention competition is a fantastic opportunity for artists and designers to explore how creativity can inspire new perspectives on sustainability and the future of energy. We’re delighted to be partnering with Octopus Energy on this initiative, encouraging people to use their talent and imagination to engage with one of the defining challenges and opportunities of our time. I look forward to seeing the diverse and thought-provoking entries this competition will generate.”

This isn’t the first time Octopus Energy has put climate art centre stage. In 2023, Octopus Energy supported the Grantham Climate Art Prize. This competition saw almost 1,200 young people submit designs for a greener, cleaner future. Octopus Energy transformed the winning artworks into public murals in London, Coventry and Glasgow. It also showcased the winners and runners‑up on billboards across London and throughout the Tube network ahead of COP28.