Evening Standard Art Prize returns

The Evening Standard says, first held in 2017, and this year open to artists working in the fields of sculpture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, jewellery and wood carving, the competition provides an opportunity for artistic talent across the country to get their work in front of their judging panel and catch the eye of important industry figures.

The art world can be difficult to break into without connection and support, so the chance for up-and-coming artists to platform their work is exciting for both emerging talent and established industry figures alike, added the publisher. Previous entrants and winners have gone on to have their own solo exhibitions and brand collaborations.

This year, Evening Standard has joined forces with respected perfume brand Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle to offer the chance for 12 shortlisted artists to show their work at an exhibition in central London, plus a £5,000 cash prize and a bespoke fragrance for the winner.

The Evening Standard says this year’s theme is ‘A portrait of you’. Artists working in the above media are invited to submit images of a work, or a coherent series of works, that celebrates self-expression and the individuality and personality that can be shown through their art form. Judges will be looking for entries that showcase both the artist’s technique and their individualism.

The competition is open to all artists, over the age of 18, excluding those who have had a solo exhibition in a public institution. Entries must be the artist’s own work and can be of any size but must fit easily through a standard door frame (1981cm x 762cm).

Entrants will be required to submit 3-5 images of their work, from different angles and distances, along with a statement of 150-200 words about themselves and their submission.

The competition launched on 26 April and runs for 6 weeks (closing date 15 June). The competition hub can be found here.

Entries will be judged by a panel, chaired by Evening Standard’s culture editor Nancy Durrant. Joining Nancy will be Evening Standard Magazine editor - Ben Cobb, Editions de Parfums founder - Frédéric Malle, artist Aowen Jin, and other successful figures from the art world.

Once the judges have decided on a shortlist of 12, the submissions will go on display at an exhibition at Cromwell Place, where the panel will deliberate and decide upon a winner. The announcement will be made at a special event on September 6 at Cromwell Place and the exhibition will run until Sunday 10 September.