The Sworders Young Artists Award celebrates creative talent at an early stage, encouraging artists aged between 16 and 18 to share their work and gain recognition within a professional arts context.

The award aims to encourage and support the creativity of young artists and provides an opportunity for their work to be seen within the Holt Art Projects exhibition programme, gaining valuable experience of presenting work within a professional setting.

By creating opportunities for young artists to exhibit their work publicly, the award seeks to foster confidence, ambition and artistic growth at a formative stage in their development.

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 £500.

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 16 and 18 working in two-dimensional, wall-based media including painting, drawing, printmaking and mixed media. Submissions should demonstrate creativity, originality and enthusiasm for artistic practice. Applicants must be aged between 16 and 18 on or before 14 June 2026.

Artists under 18 must have a carer or guardian apply on their behalf.

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.