Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize 

The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize is an annual art competition created in 2019, in partnership with DegreeArt.com, the original graduate art gallery, and Callsign, the Digital Trust pioneer. It aims to inspire young people and give them the confidence and knowledge to raise their aspirations and explore how their talent could lead to a career in the arts or creative industries.   

Young people submit entries across five categories: Fine Art, Graphics, Film, Photography and Textiles & Sculpture and 15 Finalists are selected to have their artwork displayed in a private exhibition at the Bankside Hotel – London’s ‘Art Hotel’ – on the renowned South Bank, a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern. 

As has become tradition, our aspiring young artists spend a day out finding inspiration at some of London’s top art galleries, followed by a celebratory lunch, joined by industry professionals – artists, curators and gallery owners – who share their stories and advice on what it takes to establish a successful career in the art world. Then, in the early evening, the competition winners are announced.  

Artist workshops  

We fund art workshops for young people so that they have the opportunity to learn directly from professional artists. Not only does this allow young people to enhance and develop their skills and individual creative styles but it increases confidence in their own abilities and encourages more applications to the Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize. 

I entered the Junior Prize because I saw it as an excellent opportunity to gain real world experience and have my artwork seen by people from around the country – to receive critique and praise for my work which would help me become a better artist.

Elliot, Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize Winner 2023 (Graphics category)