On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the historic Gloucester Docks will burst into colour as artists, families, and the local community come together for Art in the City 2025. Hosted by That White Room in partnership with Gloucester BID, this vibrant outdoor event celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of art in urban spaces.
From 8.20am to 5.00pm, artists of all levels—professional, amateur, and emerging—will compete in the renowned Plein Air painting competition, capturing the city’s unique spirit on canvas. Families are invited to join the fun with a dedicated Family Art Competition, and the first 100 families will receive free art packs, packed with creative supplies to inspire budding young artists.
“Art in the City is a wonderful event with artists from all over painting the city. It truly is a spectacle not to be missed!” – Michael Ashcroft ROI
This year, Art in the City 2025 aims to foster community pride and bring creativity into everyday life. The event offers generous prizes for competition winners, supports local talent, and raises vital funds to distribute free art packs to families.
“Art in every form empowers and unites people from different backgrounds. It encourages diversity and helps to weave cultures by bringing various communities together. Events like ‘Art in the City’ act like the vocal cords of society. It gives people an opportunity to express themselves through art and I am truly excited to once again be part of this great initiative.” – Tushar Sabale
Meet the Judges
We’re thrilled to introduce the incredible panel of judges for Art in the City 2025! These amazing individuals bring a wealth of talent, experience, and passion to the competition:
– MJ Ashcroft – Contemporary British painter, member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) – @mj_ashcroft
– Tushar Sabale – Renowned oil artist & founder of London Plein Air Painters – @tusharsabale
– Sarah Darby – Cotswold-based painter & former Art in the City prize winner – @sarah.darby_art
– Abigail Waddell – Landscape artist & former Art in the City prize winner – @awaddellart
– Jane Clatworthy – Gloucestershire-based abstract painter with a contemporary edge – @tewkesburyartstudios
– Russell Haines – Gloucester-based portrait painter known for bold, expressive work – @hainesartgallery / @haines.art
– Julie Kent MBE – Local hero, community advocate & High Sheriff of Gloucestershire – @juliekentmbe
– Lisa Turner – Gloucester-based artist celebrated for her vibrant creations – @lisajturner4646
Key Event Highlights:
– Plein Air Painting Competition: Open to all artists. Entry: £15. Prizes up to £500
– Special Addition for 2025: Each of the top 3 Plein Air competition winners will receive a bespoke, handmade frame crafted by Period Frames (London) Limited!
– Family Art Competition: Free to enter. First 100 families receive art packs
– Community Focus: Promoting inclusivity, creativity, and local pride
Tickets for the Plein Air competition are available now at – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thatwhiteroomcic/1676260.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Art in the City 2025 is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors:
– GloucesterBID
– Period Frames (London) Limited (who are also providing bespoke handmade frames for our top 3 Plein Air competition winners!)
– Nicky Wildin – The Supernova Celebrant – @supernova_celebrant
We’re grateful for their commitment to creativity, community, and the arts in Gloucester.
Join us for a day of creativity, community, and celebration at Gloucester Docks!
