ENTRIES are open for this year’s Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize for visual art.
The award is part of RISE, the festival’s charitable programme to help young people find a career in the performance industry, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Last year’s inaugural winner Raoul Orzabal received £1,000 for his intricately detailed landscapes and cityscapes.
Runners-up Curtis Chan and Susan Kellaway were awarded £500 each for their vibrant paintings.
Emma Ellis, head of RISE programme development, said: “After the success of last year’s inaugural Emerging Artist Prize, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support rising talent in the visual arts space again this year.
“The RISE programme is truly at the heart of Henley Festival and drives us forward in everything we do. This prize, along with all other elements of the programme, ensures that the most promising young creatives have the platforms they need to thrive in their chosen fields and thus ensures a bright future for the arts overall.”
The Emerging Artist Prize gives recognition and awareness to outstanding visual artists who are in the early stages of their professional career and who have not yet established a reputation as an artist amongst art curators and buyers.
Katie Newman, managing director of David Messum Fine Art, said: “The opportunity for emerging artists to exhibit at Henley Festival’s RISE presents a unique platform to showcase their work, in a professional and creative environment, to a wide range of discerning art collectors”.
Submissions for the prize will close on March 31 with the shortlist of artists announced on April 7 and three finalists revealed on April 14. First prize is £1,000 and the two runners-up receiving £500.
Submissions will be judged by Ms Newman, Ms Ellis, artist Rebecca Swainston and Jo Bausor, chief executive of the festival.
The three finalists will also have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work at the RISE Gallery at this year’s Henley Festival, which will take place from July 8 to 12.
The UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival features a wide offering of music, including pop, world, classical, folk and jazz, alongside comedy, cabaret, visual arts, sculpture, roving performers, dining, drinks, dancing and fireworks.
The full line up of acts will be announced next month. For more information and to enter the competition, visit
henley-festival.co.uk/rise/emerging-artist-prize/
