Bid online for original artworks in the SAF Students Prize Chester 2026 Silent Auction. Proceeds to be split between the artist, SAF and Chester Visual Arts.

The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) Students Prize Chester 2026 celebrates the creativity of secondaryschool students across Cheshire West & Chester, Wrexham and Flintshire. Local secondary schools were invited to nominate talented students (aged 11–18) to enter.

An expert judging panel selected 30 finalists, and their shortlisted artworks were exhibited publicly at Chester Cathedral at the end of April. Visitors were invited to explore the exhibition, enjoy the inspiring work on display, and vote for their favourite piece.

The artist with the most public votes was awarded the Public Vote Prize of £400, along with £1,000 for their school. In parallel, the judges selected the Judges' Prize Winner, who was awarded £800 and £2,000 for their school. Both prizes were presented at the Awards Ceremony in early May.

With the winners now announced, it's time for the public to support the finalists by bidding on their favourite shortlisted artworks in our online silent auction, which runs until the 22nd May. Auction proceeds are shared equally between the student and The Sovereign Art Foundation. This gives every finalist the chance to benefit financially from their work while gaining exposure to the artbuying public. The Foundation's portion directly supports its charitable initiatives.

Why bid?

- Own an original artwork and help launch a young artist's creative journey.

- Auction proceeds are split equally between the student artist and SAF.

- Help fund SAF's charitable initiatives, bringing the therapeutic benefits of art to children in need so they can live full and creative lives.

- SAF will donate half of its share to Chester Visual Arts, helping strengthen arts opportunities locally.

How to take part

- Browse the artworks online

- Choose your favourite piece(s)

- Place a bid

Bid now: https://app.smartgalas.com/SAFChester/auction

More about the prize & finalists: https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/sp-chester/

Celebrate the region's emerging young creatives and be part of this year's vibrant showcase of talent. Every bid makes a difference.

About The Foundation

The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) is a registered charity that was founded in 2003 to recognise and promote contemporary art talent around the world and bring therapeutic benefits of art to children in need, so they can live full and creative lives. The Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prizes are annual awards that celebrate the importance of art in the education system and recognise the quality of artworks produced by secondary-school students across the world.