The John Ruskin Prize 2026 is now open for submissions, inviting entries from artists, designers, and makers worldwide.
Now in its 8th edition, the prize celebrates work that reflects John Ruskin’s enduring belief in the value of careful observation, craftsmanship, and social engagement.
This year’s theme, Patience in Looking, Truth in Making, encourages entrants to reflect on the connection between the act of looking and the process of making, and how deep observation can shape and inspire the things we create.
Open to emerging and established creatives working in any 2D or 3D medium, the prize welcomes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textile, ceramics, performance, installation, photography, film, animation, digital, mixed media and more.
The Selection panel
Up to 50 artists will be shortlisted by a panel of art industry experts, including:
- Julian Wild, leading UK-based sculptor and lecturer,
- Mary Evans, esteemed artist & director of the Slade School of Fine Art,
- Neal Shasore, acclaimed architecture and design historian.
- Victoria Pomery OBE, governor and CEO of The Box, Plymouth
Prizes
A total of £9,500 in prize money will be awarded across four categories in the 2025 John Ruskin Prize, including two significant new awards, thanks to the generous support of The Chelsea Arts Club Trust and The Ruskin Mill Trust.
These reflect the Prize’s ongoing growth and commitment to celebrating artistic talent in all its forms, and ambitions to attract a broader range of artists and makers:
- 1st Prize £3,000 Awarded to an outstanding work that reflects the theme of this year’s Prize.
- Ruskin Mill Trust Prize £3,000 (New) Generously donated by the Ruskin Mill Trust, 'this prize, for a beautifully-crafted functional object, celebrates exceptional craftsmanship and the enduring value of skill, making, and material sensitivity.
- Chelsea Arts Club Trust Prize £2,500 (New) Kindly donated by the Chelsea Arts Club Trust, this prize recognises the achievement of a mid-career artist demonstrating sustained creative excellence.
- The Alan Davidson Under 26 Prize £1,000 Awarded to a young artist (under 26) whose work shows promise, originality, and thoughtful engagement with the Prize’s theme.
Prize winners will be announced at the private view and awards ceremony on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
Deadlines and key dates
The deadline for entries is Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 5pm GMT.
Key Dates:
- Entry Deadline: Tuesday 2 December 2025, 5pm
- Private View & Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 28 January 2026
- Exhibition: 29 January to 8 February 2026 at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London
How to enter
To enter follow the link here.
