A studio space

East London Art Prize

The East London Art Prize celebrates and promotes the incredible talent and diversity of art made in the cultural hive of east London. Proudly sponsored by Minerva and Prue MacLeod, the winner receives a cash prize of £15,000 and a solo exhibition at our Nunnery Gallery. The runner-up second prize is a year’s studio space with Bow Arts.

In 2023, Kat Anderson won the East London Art Prize, with Cora Sehgal-Cuthbert as runner-up.

Headed by Bow Arts and supported by a network of local supporting partners, including The British Council, Dulux, The Line, LCF, LLDC, UCL, V&A East and Whitechapel Gallery, the Prize forms part of our ongoing support and development of opportunities for artists.

Bow Arts is currently celebrating the inaugural East London Art Prize Winner’s Solo Exhibition in the Nunnery Gallery. Mark of Cane is open to the public Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Find out more and explore the public programme of events, workshops and more below.

Past programmes and exhibitions

What is the East London Art Prize

The East London Art Prize is an all-media art prize designed to showcase the talent of artists working and living in east London, with an accompanying event programme supporting artists’ careers and opportunities. 

Who runs the prize?

The prize is run by affordable studio provider Bow Arts with financial support from our sponsor Minerva. We’ve been working in east London supporting artists for over 27 years. 

Who supports the prize?

As a prize that celebrates east London, we are supported by a network of local partners who provide opportunities for both the prize’s activity and winners. These include The British Council, Dulux, The Line, London College of Fashion (LCF), London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), University College London (UCL), V&A East and Whitechapel Gallery.  

We will partner with our supporters for the Prize’s event programme and they will also offer academic, archival and other opportunities for the winner during the forming of the winner’s exhibition.

Who can enter?

The prize is open to any artist living or working within an ‘E’ postcode, encompassing E1-E20, SE1-SE28 and EC1-EC4. Submitting artists should hold an arts degree, equivalent arts qualification or be able to show demonstrable commitment to their practice. Artist collectives/joint submissions are accepted.  

What media is accepted?

All media types are accepted, including (but not limited to!) painting, print, drawing, sculpture, digital, film, audio, ceramics, textiles and performance. 

Who judges the prize?

Each year the prize is judged by a different selection panel. The 2022 prize panel includes Louisa Buck (art critic), Ellie Pennick (Director & Founder, Guts Gallery), Megan Piper (Director & Co-Founder, The Line) and Larry Achiampong (artist), chaired by Sophie Hill (Director of Arts & Events, Bow Arts). 

What are the prizes?

First prize is a £15,000 cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Nunnery Gallery. The exhibition will be developed with the Nunnery Gallery and take place a year after the winner’s announcement.  

Second prize is a year’s free studio space at one of Bow Arts’ studio sites. 

How often does the prize take place?

The prize takes place every other year, presenting two exhibitions across this time: a shortlist exhibition following the Open Call, from which the winners will be announced; and a winner’s exhibition the year following. 

The first year’s open call period has now closed (May-Aug 2022). The next open call will be spring 2024.

How do I find out about the latest prize news and events?

Follow the East London Art Prize Instagram or sign up to the Bow Arts mailing list to learn all our latest news and to find out about events.    

Who is the sponsor?

Minerva is the sponsor of the East London Art Prize, committed to championing the talent of east London. Founded in 2013, Minerva provides executive search and leadership services for clients across the cultural, social impact and education sectors. They stand out for our commitment to diversity, leadership development and supporting governance. 

Their commitment to art has been at the heart of the firm since they started, including previously sponsoring the FBA Futures exhibition at the Mall Galleries and working with the Van Gogh House in Brixton supporting summer residencies. 

More questions?

Get in contact with us at nunnery@bowarts.com