News / 15 Jun 2026
Ruth Selina Prize 2026 Awarded
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
The annual Ruth Selina Prize has been awarded to Foundation Diploma in Art and Design student Hannah Kennedy.
The prize includes an award of ÂŁ500 and is presented to a student on the Fine Art pathway on the course at Leeds Arts University.
Her installation, âOuroborosâ, combines sculpture with the âquiet presence of inksâ, with the interplay between natural light and materials such as cotton muslin, acrylic and glass âembracing changeability in the space rather than attempting to control it.â
âIn its conceptual clarity, cultural sensitivity, and ability to articulate the complexities of the current moment with both rigour and understated quiet lyricism, the work aligns closely with the values of the Ruth Selina Prize. It exemplifies an artistic practice that is critically engaged yet emotionally resonant, offering a thoughtful and poetic response to the uncertainties of contemporary life.â
Katie Holmes, Director of Further Education
Speaking about her practice, Hannah says "My work seeks to resonate with the emotional frequency of the contemporary moment. It stems from an interest in the intersection between art and sociology, representing instability through the visual of liquid: formless, fragile, and impermanent. âOuroborosâ combines this with the fluctuating medium of light, producing a tense, intuitively introspective piece."
"Iâm immensely grateful for the support the Ruth Selina Prize will provide my continuing creative development. Having my work recognised for displaying such qualities means a lot to me, and is a lovely way to end my time on Foundation."
Hannah Kennedy, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design student
The judges also gave honourable mentions to students Esme Brown and Toni Fern, whose work embodied Ruth's artistic qualities and creative spirit.
The prize is awarded in memory of Ruth Selina who completed the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Leeds Arts University in 2018 and sadly passed away in the first year of her degree course. The Ruth Selina prize has been established by Ruthâs family to celebrate her rich creative life, in particular the period of time spent on the Foundation Diploma.
"Ruth loved her time at Leeds Arts University. Ruth was an engaging, gifted student with keen intellectual enquiry. Ruth was always present when she was with someone. She was very interested in them and was empathetic by nature. A gentle, caring soul with a keen intellect and sense of fun too."
Mike Selina, Father of Ruth Selina