Organizer Information
The Henley Festival is a long‑established charity event that combines world‑class music, comedy, cabaret, visual arts, and cultural experiences on the banks of the River Thames in Henley‑on‑Thames, United Kingdom. In recent years, the festival launched its RISE programme to champion emerging creative talent across multiple artistic disciplines. RISE provides practical platforms, mentoring, exposure, and financial support for young creatives—including musicians, visual artists, and backstage professionals—within the unique setting of a major summer arts festival.
Title & Description
RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize 2026 | Open Call
The RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize 2026 is a major opportunity for early‑career visual artists based in the United Kingdom. It aims to recognise and elevate outstanding artistic talent who are in the initial stages of building a professional art career and have not yet gained gallery representation or widespread recognition. The prize celebrates excellence and potential in traditional and mixed‑media 2D visual art. Selected finalists will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to exhibit—and sell—their work in a prestigious festival context, with supportive conditions for emerging creators.
Categories
This open call focuses on Visual Art submissions, specifically:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Original Prints
- Textile and Mixed Media
- Collaborative Artwork entries (where applicable)
The prize does not accept 3D or sculptural work, digital art, pure photography, digital prints (e.g., giclée), or AI‑generated art.
Eligibility
The Emerging Artist Prize is open to:
- Artists aged 18 or over on 31 December 2025
- Living and working in the United Kingdom
- Those in the early stages of their professional career
- Artists who do not yet have gallery representation and are building their professional reputation
All artworks must be original, unsold, and available for sale during the festival exhibition.
Program Benefits & Awards
All selected finalists receive significant professional support and exposure:
- First Prize: £1,000 cash
- Two Runners‑Up Prizes: £500 each
- All three finalists will exhibit their work at the Audi High RISE Gallery during Henley Festival 2026 (8–12 July). The exhibition space has a value of approximately £1,300.
- The festival will not take a commission on any sold artwork
- Up to £300 transport expenses reimbursed for delivering works
- Two complimentary General Admission tickets for the festival for each finalist
- Exposure to discerning festival audiences and art buyers
- Recognition by a panel of respected art professionals and industry figures
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Artists must submit:
- Digital images of 3–5 original, wall‑mountable works (1–5 unsold pieces) that will be exhibited in July 2026
- Full details and retail prices for each piece
- An artist statement and biography (up to 500 words) outlining training, experience, motivations, and artistic practice
- Optional: A short film (≤2 minutes) introducing the artist and showing the submitted works (like a virtual studio visit)
- Image files must be named with the artist’s surname and work title and meet specified size requirements
- Artwork must meet size criteria (max framed size 1m x 1m) and be suitable for exhibition
- Artists are responsible for insurance and handling (delivery, hanging, and collection) of works if selected
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Shortlist Notified: 7 April 2026
- Finalists Announced: 14 April 2026
- Exhibition at Henley Festival: 8–12 July 2026
Location
Henley‑on‑Thames, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Entries must reflect an artist’s current or lifelong body of work and be the artist’s own original creation.
- Work must be unsold and available for display and sale during the festival if selected.
- The festival’s RISE programme promotes broader support for emerging creatives, including opportunities in music and backstage production, beyond the visual arts prize.
- Artists must arrange their own insurance for artworks in transit and while exhibited.