Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award

Championing the next generation of artists

Robert Walters and UK New Artists, in collaboration with Saatchi Gallery, is proud to present the  Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award. The award helps to discover and champion the work of exceptional emerging artists whose work and vision represent contemporary Britain.

From an open call across the UK, we provide a platform for ten finalists whose work demonstrates a strong and original voice, and is of exceptional artistic quality. In the process, we look for artists who represent the UK's richly diverse population and embody the experiences of their respective communities — artists who create bold, unique pieces of art that reveal their own perspectives and experiences, and who represent original viewpoints that will start new conversations across the UK art scene.

About the award

Each year, the aware poses a question for artists to respond to in their submission. In 2019 we asked: What is Contemporary Britain? and presented 10 exceptional artists from over 500 submissions. In the 2021, as we emerged from the pandemic, we asked: Where do we go from here? Is there to be a 'new normal'?

In 2022, we explored The Unimagined Future, and in 2023, the award was interested in works which addressed the theme, ‘The Journey of Self-Actualization: Exploring the Illusion of Greener Grass and the Pursuit of the Dream.’

From 500 entries in our first year the award now receives over 1,600 entries a year.

First prize:

£10,000 cash prize and the winner’s work will be shown at the Robert Walters head office for a period of 12 months following the award.

Second prize:

Our second prize winner will receive a £5,000 cash prize to help support the development of their work, practice and career.

People’s choice award:

Decided by a public vote from the virtual exhibition - the winner will receive a future opportunity with UK New Artists.

About the partners

Robert Walters

We take the time to listen to, and fully connect with, our clients and candidates. That's why we're the world's leading specialist professional recruitment consultancy, with a global presence spanning 31 countries, working with start ups, medium sized enterprises and the world’s leading organizations.

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UK NEW ARTISTS (UKNA)

UK New Artists (UKNA) is a registered national charity that champions the next generation of creativity, supporting collaboration and intercultural dialogue, ensuring a vibrant and diverse creative future for the UK. We develop artists’ practice through cross art form opportunities and celebrate creativity at national & international festivals.

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SAATCHI GALLERY

Since 1985, Saatchi Gallery has provided an innovative platform for contemporary art. Exhibitions have presented works by largely unseen young artists, or by international artists whose work has rarely or never been exhibited in the UK. This approach has made the Gallery one of the most recognised names in contemporary art. Since moving to its current 70,000 square feet space in the Duke of York’s Headquarters in Chelsea, London, the Gallery has welcomed over 10 million visitors. The Gallery hosts over 5,000 school visits annually and has over 6 million followers on social media. In 2019 Saatchi Gallery became a charity, beginning a new chapter in its history.

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Robert Walters UK New Artist of the Year Award

Championing the next generation of artists

About the award

First prize:

Second prize:

People’s choice award:

About the partners

Robert Walters

UK NEW ARTISTS (UKNA)

SAATCHI GALLERY

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