Talented young artists from across the Tees Valley, North East and Yorkshire have been recognised in The Northern School of Art’s 2026 Foundation Art Prize, following a record year for the competition.

Almost 100 entries were received for this year’s awards, with 43 students shortlisted as the prize expanded for the first time to include a dedicated category for artists aged 14 to 16 alongside the existing 16 to 18 category.

Established by The Northern School of Art’s UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design team, the competition celebrates emerging creative talent across a wide range of media. Shortlisted work was exhibited as part of the School’s annual Summer Show at its Middlesbrough campus, with winners announced at a special awards ceremony attended by students, families, teachers and supporters.

The competition was judged by professional artist Rachel Laycock alongside members of the Foundation Diploma team. Entries were assessed anonymously, with judges provided only with images of the work, supporting statements and entrants’ names. The panel reviewed submissions independently before meeting to agree the final shortlist and winners.

Organisers praised the standard of entries, describing it as one of the strongest years for the competition and noting that reaching the shortlist was an achievement in itself.

The inaugural Year 9–11 category was won by Yumna Khan from St Peter’s Catholic College, Middlesbrough, for her work Fundamental British Values. Created in charcoal and pencil on A3 cartridge paper, the drawing explores themes inspired by female pain and suffering. Judges described it as “an expressive and powerful image”, praising its strong mark making and mature execution.

Yumna received a £250 cash prize, while her school received a £100 contribution towards art materials. The runners-up were Niamh Murphy from St Michael’s Catholic Academy for Untamed Beauty and Vidya Munipalle from Yarm School for Street View, both recognised for their expressive technique and strong narrative qualities.

In the Year 12–13 category, the winner was Eric Richardson from The Northern School of Art’s Extended Diploma in Film & TV Production for Glasshouse Music Video. Written by Aimee Curtis and filmed by Holly Lear and Eric Richardson, the work was shot at sunrise in the ruins of a castle and uses natural light, contrasting wide and intimate shots, and atmospheric composition to create a cinematic mood. Inspired by The Hunger Games, it explores themes of solitude, loneliness and forgotten histories.

Judges described it as “a highly professional video with production values of an impressively commercial standard” and “a beautifully sensitive and candid response to creative music”, adding: “For a young professional this is exceptional.”

Eric received a £300 cash prize, while the Film & TV Production course received a £100 contribution towards creative resources. The runners-up were The Northern School of Art ED Photography student Surann Jones for Landscape and Sofia Lannelli from New College Pontefract for The Relative, both praised for their composition and emotional impact.

This year’s competition was judged by Rachel Laycock, Tees Valley-based artist, co-director of BloomInArt NorthEast CIC and alumna of The Northern School of Art, alongside members of the Foundation Diploma team.

She said: “As an alumna of The Northern School of Art, it is close to my heart to support and champion opportunities for local creatives. I was honoured to be invited to judge the Foundation Art Prize.”

Andrew Edwards, Senior Lecturer on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, said: “The expansion of the Foundation Art Prize has enabled us to celebrate even more talented young artists and showcase the incredible breadth of creativity across our region. The quality of work submitted this year was exceptional, and every shortlisted student should be immensely proud of their achievement.”

The Foundation Art Prize is organised by The Northern School of Art’s UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design team and aims to support and celebrate emerging creative talent by recognising creativity, experimentation and artistic ambition.

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a post-18 course designed to help students discover their creative direction and take their next step with confidence. It’s ideal for anyone who has just finished A-Levels or another Level 3 course that wants time and space to develop skills, find specialism and build a degree-ready portfolio. Find out more here