The Women in Art Prize (WIAP), the annual initiative dedicated to uplifting emerging female artists, proudly returns this year, with applications opening on International Women’s Day 2025 (8 March). This prestigious competition provides a platform for early-career artists, those without gallery representation, and newcomers to the exhibition scene, both in the UK and internationally. By spotlighting their talent, WIAP continues its mission to break down barriers and inspire future generations of female creators.
Now in its eighth year, the competition invites women artists from all backgrounds and disciplines—painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture—to submit their work. The prizes will be awarded on Wednesday 17 September.
This year the Women in Art Prize is introducing a new category for sculpture, which will be presented by former fashion designer and sculptor Nicole Farhi CBE. Also new for 2025, the Painting Prize will be supported by the estate of Paula Rego.
“Throughout her life, Paula Rego supported other artists with encouragement, gifts, visits to her studio and occasional grants. Particularly young female artists because she understood how much more difficult it was for them. Paula once famously said that the proudest moment in her life was winning the summer prize at the Slade School of Art in 1953. “There were so many good artists there, but I won the prize.” This was something that hugely helped her gain confidence and belief in herself as an artist. It is in this spirit that the Estate of Paula Rego would like honour the Painting Prize in her name.” – Victoria Willing, The Estate of Paula Rego
Last year, it introduced The Eve Arnold Photography First Prize in partnership with the Eve Arnold Estate to honour the legendary photojournalist, the first woman photographer to join Magnum Photos. Michael Arnold, director of the Eve Arnold Estate and her grandson, presented the Photography Prize Winner award and will do so again this year.
The competition features a range of awards, including: The Eve Arnold Photography Prize, The Paula Rego Painting Prize, The Printing Prize, The Sculpture Prize, The Best Overseas Artist Prize, and Exclusive Partner Awards. Special Awards include The Susan Angoy Award, which is open to artists of African and Caribbean Heritage. There are also age-specific categories, including awards for young artists under 26 and the Riverstone Living Award for artists over 65.
Winners will receive cash prizes, mentoring opportunities, artist residencies, and exhibition opportunities at the Art Academy Artists’ Gallery and London galleries, as well as memberships to prestigious museums and art organizations. The overall Women in Art Prize winner will receive a week-long show in the Artists’ Gallery (at the Art Academy) February to April 2026 plus a mentoring session with an Art Academy tutor.
The judging panel for this year’s WIAP features sculptor and Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors, Glynis Owen; art advisor and founder of The Eye of the Collector, Nazy Vassegh; Director of D Contemporary Gallery, sculptor, and art writer, Irene Pouliassi; author and University of Sussex Governor, Susan Angoy; Moco Museum’s Art Collection Manager, Katy Richfield; art collector and curator, Sonia Borrell; Mall Galleries’ Sales Director, Arngunnur Aegisdottir; award-winning artist, photographer, and activist, Violeta Sofia; sculptor and Principal of Hampstead School of Art, Isabel Langtry; Director of l’Atelier Five, Saina Attaoui; Director of Programmes at The Art Academy, Sue Spaull; art collector, curator, and founder of The FLUX Review Magazine, Lisa Gray; and interior designer and creative director, PAD jury member, and Women for Women committee member, Brigitta Spinocchia Freund. Art patron and collector Catherine Hunt is providing advisory support to WIAP.
The panel is chaired by WIAP Director Gabrielle Du Plooy.
“We believe it is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of women artists, who have historically been underrepresented in the art world. This prize aims to break down barriers and provide a platform for women artists to have their voices heard and their work celebrated.” — Gabrielle Du Plooy, Managing Director, Women in Art, Women in Art Prize
Artwork can be submitted between 8 March – 29 May via https://www.womeninartprize.com/prize