Think outside the canvas: Octopus Energy challenges young artists to reinvent a greener future
Students across the UK are invited by Octopus Energy and Teesside University’s Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art to show their creative vision for a greener future
Cash prizes are up for grabs for individuals and schools, plus internships and the chance for the winners to see their art on billboards across the UK
Artists from primary school to university have until 31 October to enter the competition and winners will be announced 9 December
London, 15 September 2026 – Budding artists across the UK are being invited 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’, asking primary, secondary and university students from ages 5 to 25 to imagine what the future could look like – and how we might reinvent ourselves, our communities and the systems we rely on for the good of the planet.
The judges - Diane Watson, environmental artist, Laura Sillars, Director of MIMA and Greg Jackson, founder and CEO of Octopus Energy - will be looking at how the submissions use art to show what their vision is for the future, whatever this means for the artist.
There’s a range of prizes up for grabs. 100 artists could each win £100, while 10 schools can each win £500. And because great ideas deserve a chance to go further, Octopus Energy is also offering internships to three students who are looking to kickstart their careers.
What’s more, the winning artwork will have the opportunity to be supersized onto ad spaces across the UK, giving the artists behind the ideas a chance to share their inspirational vision with a huge audience.
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 & 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, the Grantham Climate Art Prize, supported by Octopus Energy, saw almost 1,200 young people submit designs for a greener, cleaner future. The winning artworks were transformed into public murals in London, Coventry and Glasgow, while the winners and runners-up were also showcased on billboards across London and its Tube network ahead of COP28.
ENDS
Notes to the Editors
Please note: students will need to be a resident of Great Britain to take part in the Competition. If they’re under 18, they’ll need to show proof of age if they’re shortlisted to win (such as a valid passport, driver’s licence or birth certificate). They’ll also need to get consent from their parent or legal guardian to enter the competition. See the full competition Terms and Conditions here.
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About Octopus Energy Group
Octopus Energy is a global clean energy and technology business, driving the affordable, green energy system of the future. Under its own retail brand, Octopus delivers world-class customer service and cutting-edge energy products to 11 million households globally.
The company is driving the electrification of heat and transport through smart tariffs and innovative clean tech, with operations spanning 27 countries and the entire energy value chain. It operates a £8.5 billion renewables portfolio as well as thriving EV leasing, heat pump, and solar businesses.
Backed by pension funds, investors and energy giants, Octopus Energy Group businesses deliver cheaper, greener energy and cutting-edge tech to countries and customers worldwide. For more information, check out our website.