Supported by the Port of Milford Haven, Wales Contemporary was created in 2019 by the Waterfront Gallery. Now in its fifth instalment, the exhibition gives artists the opportunity to show their work in central London and Milford Haven, Wales, and receive prizes totalling £15,000.
The open call invites artists based in the UK and internationally to enter work in 2D or 3D in any subject matter. Accepted mediums include painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramic, glass, textile, collage, mixed media, and more.
Shortlisted works will be shown in the Wales Contemporary exhibition, at The Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks in Central London and at the Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, Wales. A total of £15,000 will be awarded to selected artists, including the Graham Sutherland Prize, a top prize of £3,000.
The prize fund totals £15,000, including the Open Prize, (The Graham Sutherland Prize) worth £3,000, as well as:
Two-dimensional prizes:
• 1st Prize: £2,000
• 2nd Prize: £1,000
• 3rd Prize: £500
Three-dimensional prizes:
• 1st Prize: £2,000
• 2nd Prize: £1,000
• 3rd Prize: £500
Welsh Prize
• 1st Prize: £2,000
• 2nd Prize: £1,000
Public Choice prizes:
• London Prize: £1,000
• Milford Haven Prize: £1,000
• Pembrokeshire Artist Prize: £1,000
The shortlist and award winners will be chosen by a selection panel comprising:
• Ian ‘H’ Watkins, performer and artist: Ian ‘H’ Watkins, known as H from the British pop group Steps, is also an accomplished painter. Originally from the Rhondda, South Wales, Ian was set to study at Cardiff Art School before joining Steps in 1997. Inspired by landscapes, his paintings are now showcased in multiple galleries across the UK.
• Kelvin Okafor, artist: Kelvin Okafor is a Fine Art graduate from Middlesex University, celebrated for his hyper-realistic pencil drawings. With an extensive portfolio and social media presence, Kelvin’s art has been widely recognised, including appearances on BBC London. His meticulous attention to tone and texture continues to impress art communities across the UK.
• Katherine Jones RA, artist: Katherine Jones, based in South London, is an award-winning printmaker and painter. She holds a BA from Cambridge School of Art and an MA from Camberwell College of Art, and lectures at Middlesex University. Her multi-layered prints, blending hyper-real and folkloric themes, are part of international collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and Yale University.
Wales Contemporary / Cymru Gyfoes has established a strong reputation for championing and rewarding contemporary artists, throughout a wide range of prizes and an exhibition promising to inspire diverse audiences of art lovers.
All artists aged 18 and over are invited to submit 2D or 3D artworks in any medium – excluding photography, digital prints or film. 2D works may be up to 240cm in any dimension. For 3-dimensional work the maximum size is 70cm in any dimension. There is no minimum size limit. The submission fee is £15 for one work, £25 for two and £30 for three.
Artists can submit their work until the deadline, Monday 2 December 2024, 5PM via https://artopps.co.uk/opportunities/walescontemporary-24
All shortlisted artworks will be available to see in the Wales Contemporary exhibition across two venues, The Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks in Central London and the Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, Wales.
Key dates:
• Exhibition Private View at the Garrison Chapel: Tuesday 25 February, 2025, 4pm – 8pm
• Exhibition open to the public: Wednesday 26 February 2025, 11am – 6pm
• Prize giving event: Saturday 1 March 2025, St David’s Day, 2-5pm
• Exhibition closes at The Garrison Chapel, Public Choice Award announced: Sunday 9 March 2025, 4.30pm
• Exhibition opens at The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven: Friday 21 March 2025
• Exhibition closes at The Waterfront Gallery, Milford Haven, Public Choice Award announced Sunday 17 May 2025, 4.30pm