Exceptional Creative Awards & Art Exhibition 2026 in Derby Celebrates Artistic Excellence and Everyday Stories
Theme: “People As I See Them (Stories of Everyday People)”
The Exceptional Creative Awards & Art Exhibition 2026 brought together a diverse community of artists and creative practitioners in Derby, celebrating artistic excellence, cultural identity and the powerful stories found in everyday life.
The exhibition opened to the public on 23 October 2026 at Chapel Street Arts Centre: Café Gallery, Derby. Curated by Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni, a Banks Mill affiliate and Lead Curator, the event showcased a variety of artistic voices through painting, photography and other forms of visual expression.
Presented by Red19 in collaboration with Our Heritage UK and Perspective House Gallery, the exhibition explored how people, personal experiences, culture and shared memories shape the way we see the world.
Celebrating Everyday People Through Art
The theme, “People As I See Them (Stories of Everyday People),” invited artists to interpret the people who influence their lives and communities. From familiar faces to stories that are often overlooked, the artworks offered personal perspectives on identity, emotions, relationships and the human experience.
Through different creative styles and mediums, participating artists encouraged visitors to reflect on the experiences that connect us, while recognising the unique stories and perspectives that make every individual different.
The exhibition featured works by Abiola Moshood Badmus, Aderopo Afolabi, Apanisile Anuoluwapo Christianah, Babatunde Tobi Bello, Bolaji Oluwafemi, Bukola Abiodun, Chioma Olivia Ezeamama, Courage Nosakhare Muegbeyogho, David Adeife, Dennis Akintade, Fortune Ikemefuna, Gbolahan Olanipekun, Hameed Oladapo Jubril, Hammed Opeyemi Bello, Hamzat Olamide Keshinro, Immanuel Obani, Joshua Owolabi, Kingsley Kunle Omotayo, Ogungbile Peace Ayomide, Oluwadamilola Abidemi Oladapo, Oluwatosin Bakre, Omotoyosi Ogunlende, Osaro Kent Uwadiae, Taoheed Owolabi Oluwaseyi and Vivian Nnajiofor.
Their contributions reflected the breadth of creative expression represented at this year’s exhibition.
Exceptional Creative Awards Ceremony 2026
Following the exhibition’s opening, the Exceptional Creative Awards Ceremony took place on 24 October 2026. The ceremony recognised artists, curators and other creative practitioners for their originality, artistic achievement, storytelling and contributions to the creative community.
The 2026 award recipients were:
- Vivian Nnajiofor — Exceptional Creative of the Year Award
- Ogungbile Peace Ayomide — Exceptional Visual Artist Award
- Ibitoye Remilekun Adedayo — Exceptional Curator Award
- Vivien Ekpiken — Exceptional Emerging Curator Award
- Esosa Uwoghiren — Exceptional Literary Creative Award
- Hamzat Olamide Keshinro — Exceptional Creative Impact Award
- Hameed Oladapo Jubril — Exceptional Emerging Creative Award
- Kingsley Kunle Omotayo — Exceptional Visual Artist Award
The awards highlighted the achievements of individuals contributing to the growth and diversity of the creative sector.
People’s Choice Award and Arts Commission Grant
Audience participation was also an important part of the celebration. Fortune Ikemefuna received the People’s Choice Award following public voting, recognising the strong connection his work established with visitors.
Damilola Aderonke Oyekunle received the £100 Arts Commission Grant, providing support for the development of further creative work.
These recognitions highlighted the importance of public engagement and continued support for artists as they develop their ideas and expand their creative practice.
Meet the Awards Jury
The awards were assessed by a panel comprising Iramofu Oseh, Adeola Peters and Mercy Odukogbe, with Obasola Bamigbola serving as Lead Juror.
The jury brought together different creative perspectives to assess artistic originality, execution, interpretation and overall achievement.
Their involvement helped recognise the range of approaches and talents represented across the exhibition and awards.
Meet the Curatorial Team Behind the Exhibition
The exhibition was curated by the Red19 team, led by Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni, Banks Mill affiliate and Lead Curator. She was joined by co-curators Olalekan Adetunji, Ezekiel Ogundipe and Oluwatimilehin Osho.
Together, the team developed an exhibition that brings individual artistic voices into conversation, giving visitors an opportunity to explore different perspectives on identity, personal history and shared experiences.
By creating a platform for artists to present their work to new audiences, the curatorial team helped make the exhibition a space for reflection, dialogue and creative discovery.
Red19’s Commitment to Supporting Creativity
Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the Exceptional Creative Awards & Art Exhibition reflects Red19’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for creatives, increasing the visibility of artistic work and connecting artists with wider audiences.
Collaborations with Our Heritage UK and Perspective House Gallery helped bring together different creative perspectives and strengthen the exhibition’s community-focused approach.
Events such as this provide opportunities for artists to share their work, build professional connections and contribute to the cultural life of Derby.
Visit the Exceptional Creative Art Exhibition in Derby
The exhibition is scheduled to remain open to the public until Friday, 30 October 2026, giving art enthusiasts, collectors, artists and members of the wider community an opportunity to experience the featured works and discover the stories behind them.
Event details
- Exhibition: Exceptional Creative Awards & Art Exhibition 2026
- Theme: People As I See Them (Stories of Everyday People)
- Exhibition dates: 23–30 October 2026
- Venue: Chapel Street Arts Centre: Café Gallery
- Address: 19 Chapel Street, Derby, DE1 3GU
- Organiser: Red19 Global and Red19 Creatives
- Collaborators: Our Heritage UK and Perspective House Gallery
- Lead Curator: Kikelomo Solomon-Ayeni
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition, engage with the participating artists’ work and celebrate the creativity, experiences and everyday stories that bring communities together.
Conclusion
The Exceptional Creative Awards & Art Exhibition 2026 in Derby celebrates more than artistic achievement. It provides a platform for diverse voices, recognises creative talent and invites audiences to look more closely at the people and experiences that shape everyday life.
Through its exhibition, awards ceremony and community-focused approach, Red19 and its collaborators continue to create space for artistic expression, cultural exchange and emerging creative talent.
For Derby’s creative community and visitors alike, People As I See Them offers an opportunity to experience art through the personal stories, perspectives and experiences of others.
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