Celebrating Our Community: The NSEAD Awards Return in 2026
Since 1888, the NSEAD professional learning community has proudly championed excellence in art, craft and design education. For more than a century, NSEAD has been a powerful collective voice for art, craft and design educators, nurturing creativity, sharing expertise and driving forward better practice across the sector.
In 2024, we marked an exciting new chapter with the launch of the first ever NSEAD Awards. Created to celebrate the extraordinary work of our members, the awards shine a spotlight on the passion, commitment and innovation that define our community. They recognise those who go above and beyond to inspire learners, protect our profession, lead change and strengthen the future of art, craft and design education.
The inaugural awards were met with enthusiasm and pride across the community and celebrated in style in June 2024. Hosted in partnership with The Whitworth, Manchester, as part of the annual Summer Gathering, the event brought members together from across the UK to honour the first award winners. It was a joyful and inspiring occasion and a chance to reflect on shared values, celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise the collective impact of our community.
Building on the success of this landmark moment, we are proud to present the second edition of the NSEAD Awards in 2026. This is an opportunity to celebrate the people, projects and practices that continue to shape, enrich and champion art, craft and design education.
We encourage members to share innovative initiatives and exceptional practice and to help us celebrate the creativity and dedication that make our community so special.
Find out more about the awards and how to submit a nomination here
Key Dates for 2026 Awards:
27 March 2026 | Nominations deadline |
18 May 2026 | Shortlist announced |
20 June 2026 | Award celebration and summer gathering at The National Gallery, London |
2024 Winners
President’s Award for exemplary practice - Dilys Finlay
President’s Award for exemplary practice, Artist - Faith Bebbington
The Big Landscape Award for innovative curriculum design - Kerri Sellens
Patron’s Empowering Change Award - Jessica Austin- Burdett
Learning Innovations Award - Amy Mulvenna
Learning Innovations Award (National Organisation) - The Superpower of Looking
Learning Innovations Award (Regional Organisation) - Shape North
Rising Star Award - Daisy Mae Wright
Community Luminary Award - Paul Carney
Community Luminary Award - Sketchbook Circle
2024 Highly commended
Individuals:
Vega Brennan
Molly Bretton
Thea Brown
Abbie Cairns
Marinela Caldarus
Helen Clarke
Georgia de Buriatte
Vanessa Dell
Jane Flanagan
Victor Guerro
Sam Hobbs
Hannah Joy King
Katie Leath
Paul Morrow
Jemima Senior
Emily Smith
Organisations:
Animate Arts
Art Pedagogy
About the author
Diane Quinn - Programme and Partnerships Manager, NSEAD
Images from 2024 Awards Celebration held at The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester by Rachel Beeson Photography