The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize
Celebrating creativity, originality, and talent of young artists across the Aldridge Education Trust network since 2019.
Why It Matters? The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize supports the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to find their creative voice, no matter their background. By placing young artists in the spotlight, the Prize, through it’s unique process, encourages confidence, resilience, and imagination – all vital skills for future success.
The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize celebrates the creativity, originality, and talent of young artists across the Aldridge Education Trust network. This unique initiative offers students the opportunity to showcase their work in a professional context, gain recognition beyond the classroom, and take their first steps into the wider art world. Founded in partnership with DegreeArt.com and inspired by the international Signature Art Prize, this junior edition is designed specifically for emerging creatives aged 11–18. The Prize nurtures artistic expression, builds confidence, and introduces students to the possibilities of a career in the creative industries.
Aims of the Prize
Champion creativity among young people within Aldridge schools
Encourage artistic ambition and experimentation across all media
Provide a professional platform for students to present their work
Connect students with curators, mentors, and industry professionals
Foster inclusion and diversity in arts engagement and career pathways
The Prize
Winners and shortlisted artists will have their work:
Exhibited in a public-facing group exhibition at a professional gallery
Featured online through DegreeArt.com and Aldridge Foundation channels
Eligible for certificates, prizes, internship and mentorship opportunities, and artistic materials
“This is more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for young artists to be seen, supported, and celebrated.”
Who can enter?
Open to all students in Years 9, 10, 11 + Sixth Form attending a school or college within the Aldridge Education Trust. Submissions can be individual or part of a guided class entry and may include painting, photography, sculpture, digital art, textiles, and mixed media.
Judging Criteria:
Entries are judged on the basis of:
Creativity and originality
Technical skill and execution
Concept and personal voice
Presentation and impact
A panel of professional artists, curators, and art educators review the works and select finalists across multiple age categories.
