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The New Emergence Art Prize 2026 is an international open call for emerging artists.
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There is no set theme, and artists may submit work in any medium.
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The prize fund is worth over £5,000, with 9 awards supporting artists through cash prizes, artist materials, mentoring and a residency opportunity.
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Artists may enter up to 3 artworks. Entries should be original works that represent the quality, originality and direction of the artist’s practice.
Final selections will be made by an independent judging panel.
Judges will consider concept, execution, originality and impact.
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Shortlisted artists will be featured in an online exhibition presented by New Emergence Art, running from 11 August to 7 September 2026.
How to Enter
Step 1: Prepare your files
You may enter up to 3 artworks. Images must be JPG files, maximum 2MB each.
Please include your full name and artwork title in the JPG filename (e.g. John Smith_Artwork title).
Step 2: Select your number of entries
Choose whether you would like to enter 1, 2 or 3 artworks.
Step 3: Pay your entry fee
After payment, you will be redirected to the submission form.
Step 4: Submit your entry
Complete the submission form by uploading one image for each artwork entered and filling in the required artwork details. After submitting the form, you will see a confirmation message on screen and receive a confirmation email.
Prizes
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New Emergence Art Prize: Grand Prize - £1,000 Cash Award
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NG Art Creative Residency: Emerging Artist Award - 2 week artist residency in Provence, France (worth €2,000)
Hosted by NG Art Creative at the historic Moulin de Gréoux. (Dates to be agreed with the host)
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• The Art Ladder Prize (1 year subscription to The Art Ladder mentorship programme, including two one-to-one mentoring sessions, sponsored by Parker Harris - worth £800)
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Staedtler UK Award - Staedtler products worth over £300
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​ Rosemary & Co Award - £300 Rosemary & Co Gift Card
• New Emergence Art Founder’s Prize - £300 Cash Award
• GreatArt Award - £250 worth of GreatArt materials
• Michael Harding Watercolour Prize - Materials worth over £150
• Michael Harding Oil Painter’s Prize - Materials worth over £150​​​
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Judging Panel
Judy Clarkson
Judy Clarkson is an award-winning figurative painter whose oil paintings and life drawings explore the human face, figure and condition. Her work has been recognised through major prizes and exhibitions across the UK.
Addi Aegisdottir
Addi Aegisdottir is Creative Director at Mall Galleries, home to the Federation of British Artists, where she helps shape exhibitions, audience strategy, partnerships and artist development across one of the UK’s key art institutions.
Yeside Linney
Yeside Linney is an award-winning Nigerian-born artist whose work explores heritage, landscape, identity and belonging. Her practice has gained national recognition, with work exhibited and acquired by notable UK institutions.
Key Dates
Entries Open: 8 June 2026
Deadline for Entries: 3 August 2026 (23:59 BST)
Shortlist Announced: 10 August 2026
Winners Announced: 17 August 2026
Online Exhibition: 11 August – 7 September 2026
Online Exhibition
Shortlisted works may be made available for sale during the online exhibition. New Emergence Art will take only 10% commission on sales made through the exhibition, with artists receiving 90% of the listed sale price.
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Artists are responsible for the safe packaging and shipping of any works sold during the exhibition. Delivery arrangements and fulfilment details will be liaised with New Emergence Art once a sale has been confirmed.