The South Transept of Chester Cathedral has been selected to host an event called the “Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize Chester 2026 Finalists Exhibition”.
The competition is designed to celebrate the talent and creativity of budding young artists based in Chester and Cheshire West, Flintshire and Wrexham. An annual event, it encourages local secondary schools in the region to name up to 10 of the most promising art students in their classes to submit a piece of artwork.
The spring exhibit in Chester Cathedral will present 30 artworks from the shortlisted finalists who have been hand selected by the foundation’s panel of expert judges. Visitors to the city’s much-loved landmark are invited to investigate the show and appreciate the inspiring works before voting for their top piece.
The young artist who receives the most votes from visitors will be awarded £400, and £1,000 will be given to their school as part of the competition’s “Public Vote Prize”. However, the panel will also choose a “Judges’ Prize Winner” to receive £800 and school funds of £2,000.
All artworks shortlisted are included in a silent auction. The proceeds are shared between The Sovereign Art Foundation and their student creator, giving each finalist an opportunity to financially benefit from their work and gain public exposure.
The exhibition will now be open for visitors to view at Chester Cathedral from Monday, April 27 to Tuesday, May 5. The event is free to all and the cathedral is sited on Saint Werburgh Street in Chester.