RISE by Henley Festival has opened applications for its 2026 Emerging Artist Prize, a major opportunity designed to support and showcase new talent in the visual arts.
The charitable RISE programme champions emerging creatives across disciplines, with this prize specifically recognising visual artists at an early stage of their professional careers.
Open to artists aged 18 and over who are living and working in the UK, the prize is aimed at those who do not yet have gallery representation and who have not established a reputation among curators, buyers or critics. Applications opened on Monday 05 January 2026.
Three finalists will be selected, with a first prize of £1,000 and two runners-up prizes of £500. All three finalists will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work in the RISE Gallery at Henley Festival 2026, where the exhibition space itself is valued at approximately £1,300.
In a move designed to actively support emerging artists, Henley Festival will take no commission on any sales and will also contribute agreed transport expenses of up to £300. Finalists will be required to attend the festival and will each receive two complimentary General Admission tickets for one evening.
The prize accepts a wide range of two-dimensional work, including paintings, drawings, original prints, textile and mixed-media pieces, as well as collaborative artworks.
Three-dimensional or sculptural work, digital or AI-generated art, pure photography, digital prints such as giclée, and work deemed inappropriate or offensive will not be accepted.
All submissions must reflect the artist’s current or lifelong body of work and must be original, unsold pieces that are available for sale during the festival.
Artists are required to submit digital images of three to five artworks that will be available for exhibition in July 2026, alongside full details and retail prices.
Applications must also include an artist statement and biography of no more than 500 words, outlining training, experience, and the themes, motivations and processes behind the work.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a short, informal film of up to two minutes introducing themselves and their artwork, described as a virtual studio visit for the judges.
Entries must be wall-mounted works, with a maximum framed size of one metre by one metre. Accepted painted mediums include oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolour, emulsion and household paint. Artists are responsible for insuring their work and for delivering, hanging and collecting unsold pieces after the festival.
The judging panel includes Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival; Katie Newman, Managing Director of David Messum Fine Art; British artist Rebecca Swainston; and Emma Ellis, Head of RISE Programme Development at Henley Festival.
By entering, artists agree to the Henley Festival Terms and Conditions and, if selected, to exhibit in the RISE Gallery from 08 to 12 July 2026.
Read more on the winners for 2025: Henley Festival announces winners of inaugural RISE Emerging Artist Prize
Susan Kellaway, RISE Emerging Artist Prize 2025 Runner Up said: “Being part of RISE has been such an encouraging and energising experience. Exhibiting at Henley Festival gave my work visibility with new audiences and connected me with a supportive community of emerging artists. The financial support and prize money have made a real difference, allowing me to focus on developing my practice.”
