Looking Forward: Aesthetica in 2025

The new year is officially here, and Aesthetica is looking forward to another twelve months packed with exciting opportunities for artists, creatives, filmmakers, and writers. From showcasing work in art, design, and photography to offering platforms for emerging voices in literature and film, the year ahead promises to be one of exploration and inspiration. With new initiatives and events on the horizon, Aesthetica is committed to continuing its mission to support and elevate creative talent across disciplines. It’s a time to discover new perspectives, connect with creatives, and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Aesthetica Magazine 

The prestigious bi-monthly publication immerses readers in the ever-evolving world of contemporary art and culture. Each issue presents a curated selection of innovative and groundbreaking architects, artists, designers and photographers, giving voice to both emerging talents and established figures shaping the creative landscape. The magazine spotlights the season’s must-see exhibitions and reviews highly anticipated films, books and music. Aesthetica Magazine is an essential resource for discovering the next wave of talent and staying engaged with the latest developments in art and design.

,ASFF19, Aesthetica Short Film Festival 2019, City Screen, York, Launch Night, Jim Poyner Photography,

Aesthetica Short Film Festival 

 Aesthetica Short Film Festival is the destination for independent cinema. In 2025, the BAFTA-qualifying event will take place between 5- 9 November, with thousands of visitors coming together to celebrate film. The expansive programme includes hundreds of screenings in genres including comedy, drama, documentary, experimental, family friendly and thriller, as well as VR and Games Labs. The festival also welcomes world-leading experts in creative industries to run masterclasses and workshops, providing exclusive access to their experience and knowledge. Previous guests include Dame Judi Dench, Asif Kapadia, Sally Potter and Andrea Arnold, as well as representatives from Aardman, BBC Films, Film4, the New York Times and Ridley Scott Associates. 

Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition

The Aesthetica Art Prize, renowned for its ability to spotlight the most innovative and boundary-pushing talent, is set to showcase a new wave of global artists whose work challenges conventional ideas and explores pressing issues of our time. The award welcomes entries of painting and drawing, video, sculpture, installation, performance, photography and digital art. The annual exhibition will be at York Art Gallery in Autumn, giving visitors the chance to experience the some of the most exciting and thought-provoking work being produced today. 

Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 

The Creative Writing Award attracts thousands of entries each year from across the world and is an outstanding resource to discover the best new voices in creative writing. The shortlisted works are published in an anthology, which includes 60 short stories and poems. The collection has a focus on fresh perspectives and bold storytelling, bringing together a diverse range of themes and literary styles. It is an essential read for anyone passionate about the written word. The anthology not only celebrates the artistry of these writers but also is part of Aesthetica’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and supporting new voices in the literary landscape.

Call For Entries

Throughout the year, creatives have the opportunity to be part of upcoming film festivals, creative writing and art prizes, winning awards and furthering their careers. Entries for writers and filmmakers are now open, and the Art Prize will welcome submissions in the new year. The events are a celebration of excellence from both new and established practitioners. Those involved will join alumni who have gone on to win prestigious awards like Prix Elysée, FOAM Talent, the Jarman Award, Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize and Sony World Photography Awards, as well as the T. S. Eliot Prize and Forward Prize. 


Aesthetica Short Film Festival & Creative Writing Awards are Open for Entries Now. Submit Your Work.