The 2025 Women in Art Prize is officially underway, and with the judging panel now announced, the excitement is building. This year’s line-up reads like a who’s who of the contemporary art and design worlds – a powerful collective of creatives, curators and cultural connectors set to shape one of the most dynamic editions yet.
Leading the panel is cultural strategist and Eye of the Collector founder Nazy Vassegh, whose influence in the international art scene is well-established. She’s joined by Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, interior designer and creative director at Spinocchia Freund, known for her bold and sculptural design work that straddles both art and architecture. Then there’s Katy Richfield, art collection manager at the boundary-pushing Moco Museum, with an eye for contemporary statement pieces and rising stars.
And that’s just the beginning. With more than a dozen jurors spanning sculpture, curation, art education, and collection – including Irene Pouliassi, Managing Director at D Contemporary, and Arngunnur Aegisdottir, Sales Director at Mall Galleries – this year’s panel promises a rigorous, diverse and dynamic perspective on contemporary women’s art.
Now in its eighth year, the Women in Art Prize (WIAP) opens for applications every International Women’s Day, and 2025 is no different. From 8 March to 8 June, female-identifying artists can submit up to two works for consideration, across painting, photography, printmaking, and new for this year, sculpture.
The competition is designed specifically for early-career artists, particularly those without gallery representation. It’s open to entrants across the UK and beyond, with dedicated categories for overseas artists, young artists under 26, and even those over 65, thanks to the Riverstone Living Award. There’s also the Susan Angoy Award, which highlights work by artists of African and Caribbean heritage.
For the first time, the Sculpture Prize will be presented by none other than Nicole Farhi CBE, a former fashion designer turned sculptor whose own practice champions form and female perspective. Meanwhile, the prestigious Painting Prize will be awarded in the name of Paula Rego, supported by her estate. It’s a poignant tribute to one of the most important feminist voices in contemporary art.
“Paula once famously said that the proudest moment in her life was winning the summer prize at the Slade School of Art in 1953,” says Victoria Willing, from the Estate of Paula Rego. “It helped her believe in herself as an artist. It is in that spirit we honour the painting prize in her name.”
Returning for a second year is the Eve Arnold Photography Prize, presented by Michael Arnold, director of the Eve Arnold Estate and grandson of the legendary photojournalist. It’s another nod to the legacy of trailblazing women who redefined the visual narrative – and a reminder of the calibre of artists this prize continues to champion.
With mentoring sessions, cash awards, residencies, and a solo show up for grabs, the stakes are high. The overall winner will be awarded a week-long exhibition at the Art Academy’s Artists’ Gallery in early 2026, alongside mentorship from the academy’s tutors.
This year’s awards ceremony will take place at The British Library’s Pigott Theatre on Wednesday 17 September, setting the stage for what promises to be an inspiring evening of talent and celebration. So whether you’re working in oil, bronze, or cyanotype, this is your chance to be seen – and not just by your peers, but by some of the most influential voices shaping the art world right now.
