The ACS Studio Prize was established in 2017 to help support the next generation of artists after a number of our members spoke of the economic challenges they faced when starting their artistic careers. ACS realises how difficult it is to focus on your art, especially after leaving university and in the recent times of uncertainty.

This year the judges were celebrated YBA and ACS member Mat Collishaw, the Director of Pallant House Gallery, Simon Martin and the Managing Director of ACS, Viscountess Bridgeman CBE.

Sculptor Marco Miehling was awarded the inaugural Prize in 2017 by judges Tim Marlow, Artistic Director of the Royal Academy, and Maggi Hambling CBE. In 2018, painter Rebecca Harper received the Prize from celebrated artists Eileen Cooper RA and Rob & Nick Carter. Artist Cathie Pilkington RA and the Director & Curator of the Ingram Collection, Jo Baring decided to award the prize to Araminta Blue Wieloch. In 2020 ACS members painter Celia Paul, and pioneering contemporary artist Gavin Turk awarded the Prize to multidisciplinary artist Dion Kitson. In 2021, ACS member Paul Huxley RA and Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA awarded the Prize to University of West England (UWE Bristol) graduate Dorcas Casey. 

Last year, renowned artist and ACS member Flora Yukhnovich, founder and curator of the Palazzo Monti, Edoardo Monti and ACS Managing Director, Lady Bridgeman awarded the Prize to Royal Drawing School post-graduate David Gardner. A painter whose work is rooted in his own body and spirituality.

Congratulations to all of the artists shortlisted for this year’s ACS Studio Prize:

Lucrezia Abatzoglu, Camberwell College of Arts

Joseph Aina, Royal College of Art

Irini Bachlitzanaki, Royal Academy Schools

Chloe Barnes, University of the West of England, Bristol

Joe Bucklow, City & Guilds of London Art School

Tom Bull, Goldsmiths, University of London

Thomas Cameron, City & Guilds of London Art School

Elizabeth Dimitroff, Royal College of Art

Joshua Donkor, Cardiff Metropolitan School of Art and Design

Eva Gold, Royal Academy Schools

Lewis Graham, University of Worcester

Clara Hastrup, Royal Academy Schools

Bryony Hillman, University of the Arts, London

Mary Macken Allen, Turps Art School

Jim McLean, Turps Art School

Jennifer Nieuwland, City & Guilds of London Art School

Blythe Plenderleith, Royal College of Art

Sabrina Shah, Royal College of Art

Beth Simcock, The Ruskin School of Art

Sophie Templeton, Glasgow School of Art

Hannah Tilson, Royal Drawing School

Georg Wilson, Royal College of Art

We look forward to the judges announcing the finalists and winner of the ACS Studio Prize 2023 in due course.