Earhart Art Prize 2026 celebrating the Female Artists of Ireland launched in Derry

PICTURED ABOVE: Judges, artists and partners gather at City of Derry Airport as Greater Shantallow Community Arts launches the Earhart Art Prize for Female Artists of Ireland 2026. Representing organisations across the region, left to right are: Ollie Green, Artistic Director at GSCA; Noelle McAlinden, Judge of the Amelia Earhart Award; Tommy Long, artist; Brian Hason, board member of GSCA; Nicole McElhinney, Amelia Earhart Legacy Association; Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport; Sinead Hawkins, North West Regional College Community Education and Amelia Earhart Legacy Association; Gareth McAlinden, Project Director of GSCA; and Joe Campbell, artist. (Picture credit: Aodhán Roberts)

Greater Shantallow Community Arts, in partnership with City of Derry Airport, has  officially launched the Earhart Art Prize for Female Artists of Ireland 2026, a unique  competition celebrating creativity, ambition, and the enduring legacy of aviation  pioneer Amelia Earhart. 

Opening March 30 2026, the competition invites female artists from across Ireland to  submit original works inspired by themes of exploration, strength, and innovation - values embodied by Earhart herself. 

The launch coincides with the 94th anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s historic solo  transatlantic flight, during which she journeyed nearly 2,000 miles in under 15 hours  before landing in a farmer’s field in Ballyarnett, Derry, on 21 May 1932. This  extraordinary achievement cemented her place in history as the “First Lady of  Aviation” and continues to inspire generations of women worldwide. 

The Earhart Prize, established in 2022, honours this legacy while providing a  platform for contemporary female artists to showcase their talent. Now in its fourth  year, the competition has grown significantly, attracting high-calibre submissions  from across the country.

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Entries for the 2026 competition open on 30 March, with the submission deadline set  for 15 May at 12 noon. The Prize Giving Ceremony will take place on 21 May 2026.  Full entry guidelines and the online submission portal are available at  www.studio2derry.com/earhartprize 

Reflecting on the competition’s growth, GSCA Project Director Gareth McAlinden  said: “The Earhart Prize continues to go from strength to strength, attracting an  exceptional standard of work each year. It celebrates not only artistic excellence but  also the spirit of exploration and possibility that Amelia Earhart represented.” 

Steve Frazer, Director of City of Derry Airport, added: “We are incredibly proud to support the Earhart Prize once again in 2026. Amelia  Earhart’s historic landing here in Derry is a moment of global significance, and it is  inspiring to see that legacy continue through the creativity and ambition of female  artists today. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the arts  and celebrating the unique cultural heritage of our region.” 

Judge Noelle McAlinden commented: “The Earhart Prize is a powerful platform for female artists to express bold ideas and  push creative boundaries. Each year, we are inspired by the imagination, technical  excellence, and courage evident in the submissions. This competition not only  honours Amelia Earhart’s legacy but also champions the voices and visions of  women shaping the future of the arts.”

The 2026 competition winner will receive a cash prize of £1,932, alongside exhibition opportunities for shortlisted artists, offering valuable exposure and recognition. 

The competition is open to female artists aged 18 and over who are living on the  island of Ireland, with each artist invited to submit one original and previously  unpublished artwork. All mediums are accepted, including digital formats, and entries  must be submitted digitally as a JPG or PDF file no larger than 5MB. Entry is free of  charge. Participants are encouraged to explore themes of female achievement,  aspiration, courage, aviation and flight, reflecting Earhart’s pioneering spirit. 

The competition is made possible through the continued support of City of Derry  Airport, whose partnership has been instrumental in its growth and success. A  distinguished panel of judges will once again bring extensive artistic and cultural  expertise to the 2026 selection process, ensuring a thoughtful and rigorous  evaluation of submissions. 

The Earhart Prize remains a powerful tribute to both historical achievement and  contemporary creativity - encouraging women to push boundaries, take risks and  express their vision.