the new emergence art prize 2026

The New Emergence Art Prize 2026 is an international open call for emerging artists. There is no set theme, and artists may submit work in any medium. Presented online, the prize is designed to remove geographic barriers and give artists from anywhere in the world the opportunity to gain recognition, visibility and professional support.

The prize fund is worth over £5,000, with 9 awards supporting artists through cash prizes, artist materials, mentoring and a residency opportunity. 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.

Prizes
• New Emergence Art Prize 2026: Grand Prize (£1,000 cash award)
• NG Art Creative Residency: Emerging Artist Award (2-week residency in Provence, France, worth €2000)
• The Art Ladder Prize (1 year subscription to The Art Ladder mentoring programme by Parker Harris - worth £800)
• Staedtler UK Award (£300+ worth of Staedtler products)
• Rosemary & Co Award (£300 Gift Card)
• New Emergence Art Founder’s Prize (£300 cash)
• GreatArt Award (£250 worth of materials)
• Michael Harding Watercolour Prize (£150+ worth of materials)
• Michael Harding Oil Painter’s Prize (£150+ worth of materials)

Shortlisted artists will be featured in an online exhibition presented by New Emergence Art. Unlike the standard 50/50 gallery commission model, New Emergence Art takes just 10% commission on sales made through the exhibition. This allows artists to retain the vast majority of each sale, while helping us cover essential payment processing, administration and platform costs.