Short talks by shortlisted artists from the 2026 Aesthetica Art Prize at York Art Gallery.
York Art Gallery is hosting Meet the Artists on Friday 17 July, a session that brings together several of the shortlisted artists from the Aesthetica Art Prize 2026. It's a chance to hear from the people behind the work on display, rather than just looking at it on the wall.
The format is straightforward: a series of short talks given by the artists themselves. Each one speaks about their own contribution to this year's exhibition, so you get to hear the thinking and the process behind the pieces. It's a good way to put a voice and a face to the work, and to understand what went into it before you walk back through the gallery.
The line-up for the session includes Yasuaki Matsuura, Alexis Pichot, Neil Armstrong, DIVA, Katharine Downson and Liza Dracup. All six are shortlisted for the 2026 prize, and they'll be talking about their specific entries in the exhibition.
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It runs from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, so it's a lunchtime thing rather than an evening one. Admission is included in the general entry to York Art Gallery, so if you're already planning a visit to see the Aesthetica exhibition, this is something you can add to the trip without paying extra. The talks start at midday on 17 July.
