Celebrating the NEAC Annual Exhibition 2026

Daler-Rowney is delighted to support the NEAC (New English Art Club) Scholarships for the first time in 2026, marking a new partnership dedicated to nurturing emerging talent in figurative art. Presented as part of the NEAC Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, the awards form part of a wider programme celebrating excellence in contemporary painting, drawing and printmaking.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting artists at all stages of their careers, from early development through to established professional practice.

The NEAC is one of the UK’s most established and respected artist-led societies, founded in the late 19th century by painters seeking to promote observational and figurative art. Today, it continues to champion excellence in drawing and painting, with a strong emphasis on direct observation, technical skill and contemporary interpretation.

Membership of the NEAC is highly regarded and includes some of the UK’s leading figurative artists. Alongside its annual exhibitions, the organisation plays an active role in supporting education, mentorship and professional development for emerging artists.

The NEAC Annual Exhibition remains a key event in the British art calendar, bringing together members and selected non-members through open submission. The exhibition provides a platform for both established practitioners and early-career artists to exhibit work side by side, fostering dialogue across generations and approaches.

Held each year at Mall Galleries in London, the NEAC Annual Exhibition showcases a broad and varied range of contemporary figurative work. The exhibition is known for its high standard of selection and its commitment to observational excellence, while also reflecting a wide spectrum of subject matter, technique and interpretation.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of awards and prizes are presented to recognise artistic achievement across different categories. These include awards for painting, drawing and thematic work, as well as prizes that highlight emerging talent and innovative approaches within figurative practice.

The awards programme plays an important role in supporting artists financially and professionally, offering encouragement at key stages in their development and helping to raise the visibility of their work within the wider arts community.

2026 marks the first year of Daler-Rowney’s support for the NEAC Scholarship Programme, an initiative designed to support emerging artists working in figurative disciplines. The scholarships provide recipients with both financial assistance and access to professional development opportunities through the NEAC.

We are pleased to congratulate the inaugural Daler-Rowney Scholarship recipients:

• Oliver Marr
• Sarah Muwanga

Each artist receives a £500 cash award alongside £500 worth of Daler-Rowney materials, providing practical support for the development of their studio practice over the coming year.

In addition to financial and material support, the scholars will benefit from mentorship from NEAC members and access to workshops and educational sessions. This structured programme is designed to encourage experimentation, refine technical skills and support long-term artistic growth.

Work developed during the scholarship year will be presented at the NEAC Annual Exhibition in 2027, offering an opportunity to share their progress with collectors, peers and the wider public.

“Winning this scholarship meant more to me than I expected. As a self-taught painter, I have always found my own way into the work, but there is so much you can only learn from being around other painters, watching how they think and make decisions. That is what drew me to apply. The NEAC felt like a community I genuinely wanted to be part of.

Receiving the Daler-Rowney materials has been a real gift at exactly the right moment. I ordered some products I already know and love, and some I have never tried before, which feels right for a year that is all about pushing my practice somewhere new. I am really looking forward to seeing where the work goes.” – Sarah Muwanga

Daler-Rowney has supported artists since 1783, with a focus on providing high-quality materials that enable creative exploration across all levels of practice. This new partnership with the NEAC reflects a continued commitment to investing in artistic development and supporting the future of figurative art in the UK.

By combining material support with mentorship and exhibition opportunities, the NEAC Scholarship Programme helps to create meaningful pathways for emerging artists to establish and sustain their practice.

We extend our congratulations to all exhibitors and prize recipients at the NEAC Annual Exhibition 2026, and we look forward to following the progress of Oliver Marr and Sarah Muwanga throughout their scholarship year.

Find out more about NEAC here: https://www.newenglishartclub.co.uk/.