Key dates and information
Below, you'll find important information regarding eligibility criteria and important dates for this year's award calendar.
This year's theme
In 2019 the award posed the question, What is Contemporary Britain? and presented 10 exceptional artists from over 500 submissions. In 2021 the award asked, Where do we go from here? Is there to be a 'new normal'? and presented 10 exceptional artists from almost 1000 submissions.
For 2022, the award is interested in works which address the theme, The Unimagined Future.
It has been noted that 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet, what else has yet to be thought about? What else has yet to be invented? Where will creative thought and ideas be in the next decade, what needs to change?
Key dates for 2022
- Thursday, 30 June 2022
Call for entries open - Wednesday, 31 August 2022
Deadline for entries (11:59pm)
- Monday, 3 October 2022
Ten finalists announced - Thursday, 10 November 2022
Exhibition and prize-giving event in London
The awards
This year, we are proud to offer three prizes, for which each of our ten shortlisted artists will eligible.
- FIRST PRIZE
£10,000 cash prize; the first-prize award winner's work will also be shown at the Robert Walters Group head office in London for a period of twelve months after the award is given. - SECOND PRIZE
£5,000 cash prize - PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD
Decided by a public vote during the virtual exhibition 14th November - 10th January and announced on Thursday 12th January. The winner will have the opportunity to take part in one of UK New Artists’ international presentations.
Selection criteria
Judges will be looking for works that reflect the following:
Diversity of experience
We're looking for artists who represent the UK's diverse population, and reflect their respective communities.
Diversity of expression
We're looking for artists who create bold, unique pieces of art that reveal their own perspectives and experiences.
Diversity of thought
We're looking for artists who represent unique viewpoints, sparking new conversations within the UK art scene.
In addition to satisfying the requirements above, successful artists will demonstrate a strong and original voice with exceptional artistic quality.
Eligibility criteria
Artist eligibility
To be eligible for the award, you must be aged 18 or over, and within the first ten years of your professional practice, and have the right to live, work or study in the UK. Upon application, we will ask you to define the start of your professional practice using one of the following:
- the date that you registered as a self-employed artist
- the first public exhibition or performance you presented
- your first paid commission
- the year you completed your education or training
If you are yet to do any of these things, you must self-define the start of your professional practice. If shortlisted, you must be available to be in London for the prize-giving ceremony on Thursday, 10 November 2022.
Accepted media
Artists must be working within one of the following fields:
- APPLIED ARTS
Ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery - DIGITAL ART AND MOVING IMAGE
Moving image, performance video, technological arts - FINE ARTS
Painting, printmaking, photography, installation, sculpture
Please download our briefing document for artists, which outlines all eligibility requirements as well as the terms and conditions of your participation.
Financial support for shortlisted artists
The Robert Walters Group will provide a stipend of £200 for each of the ten shortlisted artists to attend the awards event in London on Thursday, 4 November, and will cover all shipping costs for works to be delivered to and from Saatchi Gallery.
