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Holt Art Projects - Sworders Emerging Artists Award - £750

Deadline: 14/06/2026

City: Holt  |  Country: United Kingdom  |  Holt Art Projects

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The Sworders Emerging Artists Award celebrates the next generation of creative talent and is open to artists aged between 19 and 23.

This award recognises emerging artistic talent and provides an opportunity for young practitioners to present their work within the Holt Art Projects exhibition programme. Open to artists aged between 19 and 23, it supports artists at an important early stage in their creative development and offers the experience of exhibiting within a professional setting.

Open to artists aged between 19 and 23, the award recognises emerging talent and offers young practitioners the opportunity to present their work within a professional exhibition context.

This award is generously supported by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, one of the UK’s leading regional auction houses. Founded in 1782, Sworders has a long tradition of supporting art, artists and the wider cultural community. Through this award Sworders helps to encourage and celebrate the creativity of the next generation of artists.

The judges will select a shortlist of works to be exhibited, from which one artist will be selected as the recipient of the award of £750.


Judges

Guy Schooling is Chairman of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers and a well-known figure in the British auction world. An experienced auctioneer and broadcaster, he has built an international reputation for his expertise in fine art and antiques. Through his work with Sworders, he continues to support and promote the arts and the next generation of creative talent.

Dulcie Humphrey is an arts supporter and patron with a strong interest in encouraging creativity and emerging artistic talent. Through her involvement with Holt Art Projects and related initiatives, she has helped support opportunities for artists to exhibit their work and connect with wider audiences.


Entry Criteria

Open to artists aged between 19 and 23 working in two-dimensional, wall-based media including painting, drawing, printmaking and mixed media. Submissions should demonstrate originality, creativity and a clear commitment to developing an artistic practice. Applicants must be aged between 19 and 23 on or before 14 June 2026.

Holt Art Projects

Holt Art Projects invites submissions to its 2026 programme of contemporary art awards, culminating in a major exhibition in North Norfolk bringing together emerging and established artists from the UK and internationally. The awards continue the legacy of the Sir John Hurt Art Prize, founded in 2010 and inspired by the late actor and painter Sir John Hurt.

The programme now includes seven awards celebrating excellence across painting, portraiture, photography, ceramics, glass, environmental art and emerging practice. Shortlisted works will be exhibited as part of the Holt Art Projects annual exhibition programme in Holt and nearby Glandford, North Norfolk.

The exhibition opens with an awards reception on Sunday 19 July 2026, followed by a private view on Monday 20 July. It will then be open daily from 10am to 5pm until Saturday 1 August.

All works may be offered for sale unless otherwise specified by the artist. Holt Art Projects charges 28.2% commission (23.5% + VAT) on sales. The exhibition is promoted through press coverage, digital platforms and printed materials, attracting collectors, visitors and audiences interested in contemporary art.

Please see FAQs for further details. 

Submission fees

The following submission fees apply to this opportunity.

  • Sworders Emerging Artists - 1 entry - 12.00 GBP
  • Sworders Emerging Artists - 2 entries - 23.00 GBP
  • Sworders Emerging Artists - 3 entries - 30.00 GBP

The appropriate fee will be payable using a debit or credit card after the first submission has been completed. If the submission fee allows you to submit more than once, you will be able to make further submissions after the first. Contact the curator if you have any questions about the opportunity or the submission fee, or email help@curatorspace.com if you have any questions about the payment process.

Make a submission Contact the curator
How much is the award?
The award is for £750.
Who is eligible for this opportunity?
The award is open to artists worldwide aged between 19 and 23 on or before 14 June 2026.
When is the deadline for submissions?
Midnight Sunday 14 June 2026.
When is the shortlist announced?
The shortlisted artists will be announced on Monday 22 June 2026.
When are the award winners announced?
The winners will be announced at a reception on the evening of Sunday 19 July 2026.
How many works can I submit?
Up to three entries per person.
How much does it cost?
One entry: £12
Two entries: £23
Three entries: £30
Size of work and hanging details
Works must measure no more than 1.25 metres, including frame, in height or width and be no greater than 40cms deep. The work must be supplied with D rings suitable for hanging from and have wire or cord.
When is the delivery date?
Shortlised works to be delivered to Holt week commencing 13 July 2026. Full details will be provided. Artists are responsible for wrapping and arranging transport for delivery.
When is the Private View?
On the evening of Monday 20 July 2026.
What are the exhibition opening hours?
Exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 5pm Monday 20 July to Satuday 1 August 2026.
When do I need to collect my work?
Unsold works to be collected week commencing 3 August 2026. Artists are responsible for arranging collection.
Commission on sales
Artists may opt to sell their work, in which case Holt Art projects will charge 28.2% (23.5% + VAT) commission on all sales.
Photographic editions
In addition to the shortlisted work exhibited, print editions may also be sold. Details will be confirmed with each photographer prior to the exhibition.
Judges' decisions
The judges’ decisions are final and binding, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Refunds
Once an entry form has been submitted, entry fees are non‑refundable.
Who is responsible for insurance?
While all reasonable care will be taken with submitted works, artists are responsible for arranging their own insurance for transport and exhibition if required.
Copyright and image rights
Artists retain full copyright of their images. By entering the award, artists grant Holt Art Projects permission to use submitted images for the purposes of judging, promotion of the prize, exhibition publicity, press coverage, website and social media. Images will always be credited to the photographer.
Does the location have disabled access?
Yes

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