Powering a new generation of UK artists to fulfil their unique potential.
The Robert Walters Group and UK New Artists, in collaboration with Saatchi Gallery, is proud to present the Robert Walters Group 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
In 2019 the award posed the question: 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'? with 10 exceptional artists selected from almost 1,000 submissions. And 2022 we explored The Unimaged Future, and once again showcased 10 incredible finalists from nearly 1,400 submissions.
For 2023, the award is interested in works which address the theme, ‘The Journey of Self-Actualization: Exploring the Illusion of Greener Grass and the Pursuit of the Dream.’
Life is often filled with aspirations and dreams, and one common desire is to find the perfect job or career path that brings us fulfillment and self-actualization. However, this pursuit is not always straightforward, and it can be tempting to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side. This year's theme revolves around exploring the illusion of greener grass and the journey of self-actualization.
Artists are encouraged to reflect on the concept of "greener grass" and how it can deceive us into believing that happiness lies solely in external circumstances, artists can explore the idea that appearances can be deceiving, and that true fulfilment comes from within.
The 10 shortlisted artists’ work will be exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London for a VIP awards evening, as well as in a virtual gallery space, online for one month following the award.
First Prize:
£10,000 cash prize
The winner’s work will be shown at the Robert Walters Group head office for a period of 12 months following the award
Second Prize:
£5,000 cash prize
People’s Choice Award:
Decided by a public vote during the virtual exhibition 10th November - 10th December and announced on Tuesday 12th December
The winner will have the opportunity to take part in one of UK New Artists’ international presentations.
Saatchi Gallery Exhibition - UKNA 2022 finalists
Have a look at the 2022 finalist exhibition, all of the remarkable work the artists showcased and the winners' excitement as they received their prize!
About the partners
ROBERT WALTERS GROUP
Robert Walters Group is a global recruitment group committed to powering people and organisations to fulfil their unique potential. With vast experience in helping professionals grow their careers, Robert Walters Group is now aiming to help emerging UK artists express their unique voices and launch their artistic careers.
For more information, visit www.robertwaltersgroup.com.
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.
Learn more at www.uknewartists.co.uk.
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.
For more information, visit www.saatchigallery.com.
