There is still time for Shepton Mallet artists to enter this year's Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) open competition.

It might be all change for the format of the 2020 WAC exhibition, but plans are full steam ahead to ensure people can still see the shortlisted entries of contemporary art from around the world.

To provide more time to enter, the submission date for the open competition has been extended until August 1 2020.

The shortlisted works will then initially be shown in a virtual exhibition in September, supported by a strong social media campaign.

"Staying true to the original objective of WAC," said Paddy O'Hagan, chair of WAC, "we are working hard to support and promote our artists in any way we can during these exceptionally challenging times."

Ultimately, WAC remains committed to providing the unique opportunity of showing in Wells Cathedral to all artists worldwide.

"With the full support of the Dean of Wells, the Very Rev Dr John Davies, we will present the exhibition in Wells Cathedral as soon as it is safe to do so," said Paddy.

"But in the short term, an online exhibition will ensure people can still view the exceptionally high standard of work that the competition attracts."

WAC was established in 2012 by a group of artists and their friends in Wells, looking at ways to support artists post-recession.

A multi-media, open competition was set up, resulting in an exhibition and prizes for outstanding contributions.

The first competition attracted more than 800 submissions, and this increased to 1,800 global entries in 2019 with the resulting exhibition held in the surrounds of Wells Cathedral.

"The aim of WAC has always been to push the boundaries of the visual arts scene both at home and abroad," said Paddy.

"We believe in the power of art to make positive social change, lift our spirits and bring joy to our lives – something that is needed now more than ever.

"So we will do whatever we can to accommodate the current situation we find ourselves in for 2020."

For an update on the WAC exhibition, visit www.wellsartcontemporary.co.uk.