Arts Derbyshire

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Emerging Artist Award 2026

Event details

🎨Aged between 17 – 25 and dreaming of a career in the arts? We want you! 

⭐️The Emerging Artist Award is back and we’re on the hunt for new talent. 

🌈 This year’s theme is HUMANITY, NATURE & CREATIVITY. 

🖌️ We want you to create a piece of artwork inspired by the theme for your chance to win £500, artist mentoring and a space on the 2027 Melbourne Festival Trail. 

HOW TO APPLY:

📧 E-mail a proposal of the piece of work you want to create – whether it’s a painting, photography or mixed media, let us know your idea and the inspiration behind it! 

🖼️ Send us three images of your recent work, and your contact details.

SEND TO:

emerging-artists-melbourne@outlook.com

Applicants must be living, studying or working in the East Midlands and aged between 17 & 25, or within three years of graduating. 

The deadline for applications is 31 April 2026.

Shortlisted artists will be notified by 22 May 2026.

Work must be completed by 8 July 2026. 

Judging takes place on 17 September 2026.

The awards presentation takes place on Saturday 19 September 2026, and shortlisted artists are expected to attend.

🤞🏻Good luck! 

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