Meet the Artist of the Year 2026 Judging Panel

The VAA Artist of the Year Awards 2026 bring together an exceptional judging panel whose collective experience spans contemporary practice, curation, digital innovation, education and the global art market. Thoughtful judging offers clarity, encouragement and momentum. These awards are not simply about selecting winners, but about recognising originality, sustained commitment and practices with the capacity to grow and evolve.

All artworks submitted to the Artist of the Year Awards 2026 will be carefully reviewed by a panel of experts celebrated for their creative insight, professional rigour and generosity towards artists at every stage of their careers. This year’s judges reflect a deliberately broad spectrum of perspectives, ensuring that submissions are met with both deep sensitivity to artistic intention and an informed understanding of how work lives in the world beyond the studio.

Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi Founder of Adeche Atelier

Among the judges are Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi, the creative duo behind Adeche Atelier. Known for their compelling visual storytelling and distinctive engagement with African mythology and culture, Adwoa and Solomon have built a practice that moves fluidly between fine art, digital platforms and institutional commissions. Their work has been commissioned by organisations including the National Gallery, BBC, the Royal Academy of Arts and Electronic Arts, placing them at the intersection of contemporary art, popular culture and education.

Through painting, digital media and content creation, Adeche Atelier explores African deities, folklore and histories that have often been marginalised or misunderstood. As judges, Adwoa and Solomon bring a sharp awareness of narrative, symbolism and cultural responsibility. Their approach is grounded in the belief that art can preserve knowledge, challenge misconceptions and open space for new conversations. For artists entering the awards, this perspective offers reassurance that work rooted in personal or cultural heritage will be seen not as niche, but as vital and resonant.

Mollie Balshaw and Rebekah Balshaw - Directors of Short Supply

Another judging partnership comes from Mollie Balshaw and Rebekah Balshaw, curators,

artists and Directors of Short Supply. Based in Manchester, Short Supply was founded in response to a lack of space for artists who exist outside traditional power structures within the art world. Mollie and Rebekah have spent years championing early-career artists, particularly those who are working-class, queer, or navigating creative practice without institutional safety nets.

Mollie Balshaw, brings over a decade of experience working within and against the contradictions of the UK arts education and funding systems. Their advocacy for self-determination and artist-led careers is matched by a deep understanding of the pressures artists face when visibility and validation feel elusive. Rebekah Balshaw brings a strong background in creative producing, audience engagement and community-led practice, consistently building frameworks that prioritise access and care. Their presence on the panel signals a commitment to recognising work that is ambitious, honest and resourceful, regardless of an artist’s background or location.

Jaime Domínguez - Artist of the Year Awards 2025 Overall Winner

Jaime Domínguez joins the panel with the unique perspective of a recent award winner. As the Overall Winner of the Artist of the Year Awards 2025 and one of the VAA Art100 Winners, Jaime understands the experience of submitting work, being judged and navigating the opportunities that follow. A multidisciplinary Mexican abstract artist born in Guadalajara, Domínguez draws deeply on his cultural heritage, merging it with modernist geometric abstraction.

Trained as an architect, his practice is informed by modern architecture, scenography and design, resulting in work that balances structural precision with cultural symbolism. His international exhibition record and success as a Saatchi Art Top Seller position him as both a practising artist and a professional who understands the realities of sustaining a creative career. As a judge, Jaime brings empathy, technical awareness and a genuine curiosity about how artists articulate their visual language.

Véra Kempf, Co-Founder of Singulart

From the global art market comes Véra Kempf, co-founder of Singulart and a leading

voice in inclusive entrepreneurship. Since co-founding Singulart in 2017, Véra has played a central role in building what is now the world’s leading online art gallery. Under her operational leadership, the platform expanded to over 80 countries, raised significant investment and supported thousands of artists worldwide.

Véra’s expertise lies in product development, internationalisation and leveraging digital platforms to create meaningful opportunities for artists. Her commitment to inclusion is reflected in Singulart’s artist base, with women artists making up 60 percent of the platform compared to 30 percent in traditional galleries. Speaking about the awards, she notes, “I believe competitions are a great way for artists to grow. I’m already very excited to see all the great works and look forward to the discussions with the other jury members.” Her presence ensures that submissions are considered with an understanding of how artists can reach audiences globally while maintaining integrity in their practice.

Mackenzie Thorpe - International Artist

The panel is further strengthened by the inclusion of Mackenzie Thorpe, one of the most successful British artists of the past 35 years. With an international career spanning the UK, America, Japan and Australia, Thorpe’s work is recognised for its emotional authenticity and universal themes of love, family, hope and resilience. His background, shaped by industrial heritage and deeply personal experiences, informs a practice that resonates widely without sacrificing sincerity.

Thorpe’s achievements include commissions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and inclusion in the Royal Collection, yet his work remains grounded in human connection. Reflecting on his role as a judge, he shares, “I’m incredibly excited to be a judge for the Artist of the Year Awards 2026. When I was starting out as an artist, I would have jumped at an opportunity like this.” His perspective offers encouragement to emerging and mid-career artists, reminding them that recognition can be transformative.

Annamieka Hopps - Product Education Specialist at Artwork Archive

Completing the panel is Annamieka Hopps, Product Education Specialist at Artwork

Archive, working artist and respected arts educator. Annamieka brings a vital focus on sustainability and organisation within creative practice. Through her educational work, webinars and as host of The Art Friend Show, she has supported artists worldwide in developing systems that allow their practice to thrive professionally without overwhelming their creativity.

Her understanding that administration and artistry are not opposites, but partners, adds a practical and forward-looking dimension to the judging process. She recognises not only the aesthetic strength of work, but the foundations artists are building for long-term careers.

Together, the Artist of the Year Awards 2026 judging panel represents a rare balance of creative excellence, lived experience and genuine care for artists. As Mollie and Rebekah Balshaw powerfully state,

“Awards like this matter because they show artists they’re not invisible. That what they make resonates. And sometimes that tiny spark of recognition is the thing that keeps someone going.”

With judges who understand that spark from multiple vantage points, the 2026 awards promise to be both rigorous and deeply affirming for the artists who take part. Apply now to be considered for the Artist of the Year Awards 2026 and showcase your practice to an expert panel of industry leaders.

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