The prestigious Henley Festival, presented by Hemani, has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated 2026 RISE by Henley Festival Emerging Artist Prize. This initiative, established just last year in 2025, is dedicated to discovering and rewarding pioneering new talent within the visual arts sector.
A Charitable Mission to Nurture Future Creatives
The award is a cornerstone of the festival's charitable mission, which operates through its dedicated RISE programme. This programme is designed to provide crucial support for the next generation of artistic talent. While the Henley Festival itself is renowned as the UK's only black-tie music and arts festival—offering a world-class blend of pop, world, classical, folk, and jazz music alongside comedy, cabaret, visual arts, sculpture, and spectacular fireworks—its impact extends far beyond a single unforgettable event.
Henley Festival is fundamentally a charity, and the RISE programme offers a unique and vital platform for emerging artists, musicians, and backstage professionals to explore their creativity within a dynamic festival environment. It was specifically created to champion up-and-coming creatives at a time when such opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce.
Comprehensive Support for Artists
The RISE programme provides multifaceted support to help talented individuals thrive. This includes:
- Funding and financial awards
- Professional mentoring and expert advice
- Paid, hands-on experience with internationally acclaimed production companies for backstage professionals
- A platform to present work to an engaged and welcoming audience
The Emerging Artist Prize focuses explicitly on visual artists in the early stages of their professional careers, who have not yet established a significant reputation with curators and buyers. It aims to provide them with recognition and increased visibility.
Building on a Successful Inaugural Year
The prize builds on the success of its 2025 launch. 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 each awarded £500 for their vibrant and compelling paintings.
Key Dates and Prizes for 2026
Submissions for the 2026 prize are now open and will close on March 31. The judging timeline is as follows:
- A shortlist of artists will be announced on April 7.
- Three finalists will be revealed on April 14.
The prize fund remains substantial, with a first prize of £1,000 and two runner-up prizes of £500 each.
A Premier Exhibition Opportunity
Beyond the cash awards, the three finalists will gain the exceptional opportunity to exhibit and sell their original work at the dedicated RISE Gallery during Henley Festival 2026. The festival is scheduled to take place from July 8 to 12.
This exhibition is particularly significant as the festival is celebrated for its innovative art scene, transforming the picturesque Thames riverside in Henley-on-Thames into an immersive outdoor gallery. It features striking assemblages of paintings, prints, sculptures, and drawings, attracting a discerning audience of art lovers and collectors.
The 2026 Judging Panel
The submissions will be assessed by a distinguished panel of judges, including:
- Jo Bausor, CEO of Henley Festival
- Katie Newman, Managing Director of David Messum Fine Art
- Rebecca Swainston, a respected British artist
- Emma Ellis, Head of the RISE programme at Henley Festival
Commitment to a Bright Future for the Arts
Emma Ellis, Head of RISE programme development, expressed her enthusiasm: "After the success of last year’s inaugural 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 ensures that the most promising young creatives have the platforms they need to thrive, thus ensuring a bright future for the arts overall."
Katie Newman of David Messum Fine Art added: "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."
The full line-up for Henley Festival 2026 is set to be announced in February, building anticipation for another spectacular event on the banks of the Thames.
