Prize-giving: FUAM 2026

The judges have chosen, now it’s time to find out which artist has won The Friends of University Art and Music (FUAM) Graduate Art Prize 2026.

Fear the official announcement of the FUAM Graduate Art Prize 2026 winner and celebrate the achievements of all four finalists.

The winner of the People's Choice Award will also be revealed at this special evening event.

Now in its 14th year, the FUAM exhibition showcases and celebrates the artistic talent of students completing BA studies in Art and Design and Fine Art at the University of Leeds in 2026.

More information

This year’s finalists are:

Laura Gooch (BA Art & Design)  

Marcus Hills (BA Art & Design)  

Izzy Cheyne Jones (BA Fine Art)  

Melissa Nesbitt (BA Fine Art) 

The 2026 judges are Claire Knowles (Acting Director of Library Services at the University of Leeds), Damon Jackson Waldock (Director of The Art House, Wakefield), and Khadijah Ibrahiim (poet, playwright, and Artistic Director of Leeds Young Authors).

This event will begin in Treasures of the Brotherton with presentations from the artists and the announcement of the winner before moving to The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery for a reception and another chance to view the exhibition.

The FUAM Graduate Art Prize is generously supported by Friends of University Art and Music.

Find out more about the exhibition.

Book your place

Book online here.

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Photo courtsey of The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, University of Leeds.