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 Graduate Art Prize 2026

Join us to hear the official announcement of the FUAM Graduate Art Prize 2026 winner and celebrate the achievements of all our finalists. We will also reveal the winner of the People's Choice Award 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.
 
Our 2026 finalists are:  

Laura Gooch (BA Art & Design)  

Marcus Hills (BA Art & Design)  

Izzy Cheyne Jones (BA Fine Art)  

Melissa Nesbitt (BA Fine Art)  

 
Our 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.

Access Information

Getting Here

• This event begins in Treasures of the Brotherton, in the Parkinson Building. There is step-free access – see our Visit information for more details. Once the part of the event in Treasures of the Brotherton is over, the audience will move to The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery and Parkinson Court.

Sensory

• Treasures of the Brotherton is a dark gallery, but the room where the event takes place is quite bright. 

• The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery is a bright space with white walls. It can sometimes be quite cold. 

• Parkinson Court is a high-ceilinged space with large columns on either side.  

• You are welcome to borrow anything you like from the ACCESSories Hub in the Galleries during the event. Please remember to return the items before you leave.

In the Room

• In Treasures of the Brotherton there will be rows of chairs with an aisle in the middle facing a large screen.  

• In The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery there are artworks on the walls, and some sculptures on plinths or freestanding in the middle of the floor.   

• In Parkinson Court there will be a table with drinks. 

What to Expect

• The first part of the event comprises some introductory speeches, presentations from the artists, the announcement of the winner and an opportunity to ask questions. The audience will be seated for this section.  

• The second part of the event is a drinks reception and an opportunity to visit the exhibition.  

You can find more information about getting here, what to expect in our spaces, nearby facilities and additional access resources in the Visit information on our website. If you can't find what you're looking for or have any other questions, please email us at gallery@leeds.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help.