NEW BLOOD ART EMERGING ART PRIZE

Peter Hargreaves

We are delighted to share that Peter Hargreaves will be a judge for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize. A passionate art collector, Peter values the drive, creativity, and tenacity that define both artists and entrepreneurs - individuals who take risks, commit to their vision, and persevere through uncertainty to achieve success.

 

In 1981, Peter co-founded Hargreaves Lansdown with Stephen Lansdown, starting out from his spare bedroom in Bristol. Together, they built the UK’s largest direct-to-investor investment platform without borrowing a penny - a testament to extraordinary focus, determination, and vision.

 

Peter’s perspective is so valuable because he brings an entrepreneurial mindset and understanding of commercial viability, which aligns with the prize’s mission to help emerging artists transition into professional practice. His experience in identifying potential and building success mirrors the skills and qualities that emerging artists need to navigate the commercial art world. As an experienced art collector, by selecting works that resonate with him, Peter highlights the importance of creating art that can engage audiences beyond academic settings, reflecting the realities of the professional art market.

​Jim Rajan

We are pleased to share that Jim Rajan will be a judge for the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize. As an artist, published writer, and musician, Jim brings a unique perspective to the panel. His career spans both the commercial arts - where he worked as a producer and director for companies including MTV-UK Networks - and his own creative practice, which gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and possibilities inherent in making art.

Jim is a trusted figure within the artist community, known for empowering creatives to harness their sensitivities as strengths, grounding their creativity in resilience and authenticity. His ability to attune to the creative process and support artists in aligning with their essence makes his insight particularly meaningful.

Jim’s perspective is especially relevant to the prize because he combines his experience in the commercial arts with his own journey as an artist, giving him unique insight into both the personal and professional aspects of creating art. His ability to connect these two worlds - understanding the challenges artists face while also recognising the realities of professional practice - makes him well-suited to judge a prize aimed at helping emerging artists transition into the professional art world.​​

​

​Sarah Ryan

Sarah Ryan, founder of New Blood Art and the New Blood Art Emerging Art Prize, has extensive experience in both art education and the commercial art market. A trained artist and former art teacher, Sarah spent years teaching and mentoring students before founding New Blood Art in 2004. Over the past two decades, she has consistently identified exceptional talent at degree shows and helped artists transition from art school to establishing a professional career.

Her dual experience as an art educator and gallery founder gives her a unique insight into the qualities and dedication required for artists to thrive professionally, making her a vital part of the prize’s mission to support emerging talent.