News: North East Emerging Artist of the Year @ Seaton Delaval Hall

Image: National Trust Images – James Dobson

Visitors to Seaton Delaval Hall can once again help choose the finalists for the North East Emerging Artist Award, which returns for its fifth year with eight shortlisted artists. A collaboration between the National Trust and curator Matthew Jarratt, the award supports early‑career creatives with bursaries and mentoring to develop site‑specific proposals, all of which will be displayed in the Hall’s Georgian stables from 16th May–21st June. Work by last year’s winners – David Kenney, Joanna Manousis and Wilfred Sears – will also be shown.

This year’s shortlist brings together a broad mix of emerging voices from across the region: illustrator Anthony Downie, who captures overlooked corners of North Shields; multidisciplinary artist Anna Marie Gallares, exploring migration and belonging; textile‑focused Claire Ong, blending contemporary sampler‑making with collage; and illustrator Joseph Marsh, who uses everyday spaces to reflect on social and environmental themes. From Newcastle University’s Fine Art programme come Charlotte Brecken, working with ceramics and found objects; Libby Dunford, whose practice centres on shared symbols and narratives; Otis Grove‑White, drawing on folk traditions and the natural world; and Molly Sale, who transforms scrap fabrics into sculptural, wearable forms.

The award champions artists from all artforms and continues Seaton Delaval Hall’s long history of creative patronage. The shortlisted proposals and winning works will be on display from 13th May–21st June, with the Hall open Wednesday–Sunday (and daily during school holidays). Standard admission applies.