Emerging artists
Student and graduate shortlisted for North East Emerging Artist Award
Published on: 2 May 2025
Bethan Harris and Wilfred Sears are among eight people shortlisted for the fourth North East Emerging Artist Award at Seaton Delaval Hall.
Contemporary art in a historic context
Bethan, who specialises in painting and drawing, is a graduate of Newcastle University’s Fine Art degree. Wilfred is currently in the final year of his degree and creates sculptural work with wood and stone.
The eight shortlisted artists have been given bursaries to research and develop their ideas which will be displayed in the Georgian stables at Seaton Delaval Hall, in Northumberland, from May 14 until June 22. The award’s aim is to showcase site-specific contemporary art in a historic context and to encourage emerging artists to develop proposals at the hall. Winners will show their work in 2026.
Wilfred said: “Sustaining a career as a working artist has been daunting concept for me as I come to the end of my time in academia. So to be shortlisted for the North East Emerging Artist Award is not only reassuring but also a brilliant opportunity for me to share my work with a wider audience."
“I’m incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for the North East Emerging Artist Award,” said Bethan. “It’s encouraging to have my work recognised and to be given the opportunity to design a public art installation in response to the history and character of Seaton Delaval Hall.”
Rich tradition
The North East Emerging Artist Award is an annual collaboration between the National Trust and independent curator Matthew Jarratt. It is open to emerging and early career artists and creative practitioners from the North East or who are studying in the region.
Last year, Newcastle University Fine art graduates Phoebe Scott and Lucy Waters won the award.
Throughout its history Seaton Delaval Hall and its inhabitants have been synonymous with artistic support, from commissioning painter Arthur Pond to produce views of the Hall, the backing of erotic novelist, John Clelland, and the patronage of William Bell who produced family portraits and tutored Rhoda Delaval through to the 21st Lord Hastings’ support of The Royal Ballet. The North East Emerging Artist Award continues this rich tradition.
Press release adapted with thanks to the National Trust.
