37th Annual Painting Competition Brings Art to Gibraltar’s WWII Tunnels

The Gibraltar Heritage Trust is set to host its much-anticipated 37th Annual Painting and Drawing Competition on Saturday 9th May 2026, inviting artists of all ages to immerse themselves in one of Gibraltar’s most atmospheric and historically rich locations. This year’s theme, “WWII Tunnels,” promises a truly unique creative experience, as participants will be given the rare opportunity to work from the tunnels themselves, in collaboration with Wright Tech Media.

Images: Gibraltar Heritage Trust

Set within the remarkable World War II Tunnels Gibraltar, the competition offers a dramatic and inspiring backdrop that is expected to spark bold interpretations and fresh artistic perspectives. The tunnels, carved deep into the Rock during wartime, stand as a powerful reminder of Gibraltar’s strategic importance, and this year’s theme encourages artists not only to capture their visual impact but also to reflect on the importance of preserving the Rock’s built heritage for future generations.

Registration will take place on the day at the tunnels between 9:00am and 12:30pm. While participants are encouraged to pre-register online, all artists must still attend on the day to have their work officially stamped. With the exception of school participants, all artwork must be created on location between 9:00am and 5:00pm, reinforcing the event’s spirit of capturing the environment in real time. Artists are free to use any traditional media, provided it is respectful to the site, and must bring their own materials and setup. Entries should not exceed 76cm by 60cm in size.

Once completed, artworks must be submitted by 5:00pm to a representative at the Gibraltar Heritage Trust Office. Participants are advised to familiarise themselves with the official Rules and Regulations for 2026, which are available online or from the Trust’s office.

The competition is divided into four categories, ensuring opportunities for creatives at every stage: Adults aged 18 and over, Juniors aged 11 to 17, Children aged 7 to 10, and Infants aged 6 and under. Prizes are awarded across all groups, with the Adult category offering a top prize of £1000, followed by £400 for second place and £200 for third. Junior winners will compete for the £250 first prize along with the prestigious William Serfaty Shield, while younger categories will receive vouchers and recognition for their achievements. In addition, the David Gladstone Prize, valued at £100 and accompanied by a shield, will be awarded to the most promising young artist across the Junior, Children and Infant categories.

The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony on Thursday 21st May 2026 at 6:30pm, held at the GEMA Art Gallery, where winners will be officially announced. An exhibition featuring all submitted entries will open to the public on the same day and run through to Friday 13th June 2026, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of artwork inspired by one of Gibraltar’s most iconic historical sites.

Blending creativity with heritage, this year’s competition is set to be more than just an artistic event. It is an invitation to experience Gibraltar’s history in a deeply personal and visual way, bringing the past to life through the eyes of the artists who step inside the tunnels.

You can find out more by visiting https://gibraltarheritagetrust.org.gi/