Applications open for Emerging Artist Award at historic home
Specialists in all artforms urged to apply
Applications are open for the fifth annual North East Emerging Artist Award at the National Trust’s Seaton Delaval Hall.
The award, a collaboration between the National Trust and independent curator Matthew Jarratt, is open to artists in or from the North East who are in the final year of their undergraduate degree, studying for a master’s degree or who have graduated in the last three years.
Practitioners in any artform can apply, with applications encouraged from those specialising in music or sound, theatre, film, literature and design as well as visual art.
Application forms can be downloaded via the Seaton Delaval Hall website here.
Applications close on Monday, December 8, after which eight artists will be supported with a £400 bursary to develop their proposals which will be presented at Seaton Delaval Hall from May 2026.
A judging panel, informed by a public vote, will then choose three of the proposals to be fully realised and to go on display at the property from the spring of 2027, each with a budget of £4,500.
Organisers say the aim of the award is to showcase site specific art in an historic context and to encourage emerging artists.
The competition also makes for an inspiring visitor attraction throughout much of the spring and summer.
Award curator Matthew Jarratt says: “Having seen how this award has grown over the last four years, we are excited to be announcing this fifth year of the North East Emerging Artist Award.
“We have recently launched the exhibition of the three winning installations from last year’s award and the range of creative responses is truly impressive.
“Our previous winners have set a very high standard and we’re looking forward to seeing bold and exciting proposals coming through for next year.”
Since its launch in 2021, the award has provided mentoring and funding opportunities for 33 final year students and early career artists in the region, with 13 of them going on to have their proposals realised.
The 2024 winners, whose artworks are on display at Seaton Delaval Hall now and until Sunday, October 19 (later this year due to conservation work at the property), are Phoebe Scott (The Big Wig), Lucy Waters (Delaval Ware) and Jordan Edge (The Lyre of Elysium).
Phoebe Scott said of the award: “It has been amazing for me, giving me a purpose straight out of university and making me believe that it is possible for me to develop a career as an artist.
“It came at a point when I really needed it and the whole experience has been invaluable.
“Not only have I been able to bring my ambitious art piece to life, but I’ve also had the opportunity to meet loads of people and build my network of working relationships for the future.”
Next year it will be the turn of the 2025 winners to be displayed, so visitors will see work by Stockton-based former architect David Kenney, Sunderland-based glass artist Joanna Manousis and sculptor Wilfred Sears, a recent graduate of Newcastle University, displayed from May 13 to June 21 alongside the proposals of the eight vying to follow in their footsteps in 2027.
Seaton Delaval Hall, designed in the 18th Century by leading architect Sir John Vanbrugh (who will be remembered next year, the 300th anniversary of his death), is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, during term time and every day during Northumberland school holidays.
Standard admission applies.