Yesterday the winners of The Sovereign Young Artist Competition 2026 were announced at the Growing Artists Programme. 

A statement from the Sovereign Art Foundation follows below:

The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF), in conjunction with Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), is pleased  to announce the winners of The Sovereign Young Artist Competition 2026, revealed at an awards  ceremony held on Thursday 16 April at the Growing Artists Programme. 

The competition brought together some of Gibraltar’s most promising young artistic talent,  culminating in a finalist exhibition showcasing outstanding works across two categories: the SAF  Students Prize (ages 11–18) and the Young Adult Prize (ages 19–24). 

Winners 

Ages 11–18 (SAF Students Prize) 

• SAF Judges’ Prize: Aimee Linares, “Sketches in Soles” (Bayside Comprehensive School)

• SAF Public Vote Prize: Amelie Romero, “Girl on Laptop” (Westside Comprehensive School)

• Alwani Foundation Award: Sebastian Andlaw, “The Changing Tide” (Prior Park School) 

Ages 19–24 (Young Adult Prize) 

• Ministry of Culture Award: Shelli Abudarham, “Eden” 

• AquaGib Second Prize: Tyrone Vera, “Echoes of Silence” 

The top SAF Students Prize winner received £800, with a further £2,000 awarded to their school’s art  department. In the Young Adult category, the top prize winner received £1,000. 

The SAF Judges’ Prize and Public Vote Prize winners will go on to represent Gibraltar in The Sovereign  Art Foundation Global Students Prize, joining winners from similar competitions held around the  world. 

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Culture and Youth, The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “This year’s Sovereign Young Artist Competition has once again demonstrated the exceptional depth  of talent we have here in Gibraltar. The standard of work across both categories has been truly  impressive, and the finalist exhibitions are a testament to the creativity, dedication, and individuality  of our young artists.

I am particularly pleased to see both students and young adults being recognised, as it reinforces the  importance of nurturing artistic development at every stage. Competitions such as this not only  celebrate achievement but also provide invaluable opportunities for growth, exposure, and  confidence-building. 

My sincere congratulations go to all participants, and especially to this year’s winners. I am proud that  some of them will now go on to represent Gibraltar internationally through The Sovereign Art  Foundation Global Students Prize. This is a significant opportunity, and I have no doubt they will  represent us with distinction. 

I would also like to thank Gibraltar Cultural Services, the Sovereign Art Foundation, the judges, and  everyone involved in making this competition such a success. Supporting our young people in the arts  remains a priority, and initiatives like this play a vital role in shaping the future of our cultural  landscape.” 

Alex Powell, Managing Director at Sovereign Trust (Gibraltar) Ltd, added: 

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the talent, creativity and dedication shown by all of this year’s  participants. The standard of work has been exceptional, and the competition continues to highlight  the importance of supporting young artists at every stage of their development. Through initiatives like  this, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities and global exposure for emerging talent in Gibraltar.” 

Finalists’ Exhibition and Artwork Sales 

The finalists’ artworks will remain on display at the Growing Artists Programme until Thursday 24 April.  Members of the public are encouraged to visit the exhibition and experience the breadth of talent on  show. 

All exhibited works are also available for purchase, with proceeds shared between the artists and  SAF’s charitable programmes, helping to empower young people through the arts. 

SAF extends its sincere thanks to its sponsors - Chestertons, Schroders and Gibraltar International  Bank - for their continued support, as well as to the Kishin Alwani Foundation, long-standing  supporters of the Gibraltar Cultural Services Young Artist Competition since 1996, and AquaGib for  their valued contributions to this year’s awards. 

The Foundation also thanks the competition’s judges for their time and expertise, and all members of  the public who participated in the voting process. 

SAF acknowledges Gibraltar Cultural Services and its charity partner, the Growing Artists Programme,  whose collaboration has been instrumental in delivering this year’s competition and exhibition. 

The Sovereign Young Artist Competition represents a unique platform for young artists in Gibraltar,  offering recognition, support and international opportunities.