The photoILKLEY photography festival has officially announced a creative partnership with local arts organisation Village Pavilion to launch an interactive Photo Art Vending Machine for the 2026 summer season.
The vending machine will be installed at Ilkley Manor House in July and allow visitors to purchase an original, pocket-sized piece of photographic art for just 50p.
The project aims to make art accessible to the wider community while raising vital funds, as all proceeds will directly support Ilkley Manor House.
Organizers are officially seeking open submissions from photographers of all backgrounds and skill levels who wish to donate their work. To fit the vending machine mechanisms, artworks must be printed small or cropped to a maximum size of A7 (10 x 7 cm).

Artists looking to get involved are asked to package their prints and drop-off through the Ilkley Manor House letterbox or by post to Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, LS29 9DT.
All submissions must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the artist’s name and labelled 'vending machine', the deadline for physical submissions is 30 June 2026
The vending machine project will run for the complete duration of the photoILKLEY 2026 festival, which takes place from 3 to 19 July 2026 across various everyday spaces in the town.
This year's overarching festival theme, HUMAN:NATURE, explores the intricate intersections of community, connection, care, and the environments we inhabit. The vending machine perfectly captures this spirit by turning local imagery into a tangible, shared community exchange.

Yorkshire writers in spotlight at Ilkley Literature Festival
Annual golf day raises £4,383 for Airedale Hospital
The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition


