The 8th John Ruskin Prize will culminate in an exhibition featuring selected works drawn from nearly 4,000 entries submitted from across the globe. The Prize reflects the breadth of current artistic approaches and welcomes work in many forms, from traditional practices to digital and time-based media. 93 artworks by 83 artists are to be shown at a group exhibition at Trinity Buoy Wharf.
This year’s theme, Patience in Looking, Truth in Making, encouraged 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.
- The shortlist for the John Ruskin Prize is selected by the Prize’s expert panel, which this year includes:
- Julian Wild: Sculptor and former Vice President of the Royal Society of Sculptors
- Mary Evans: Artist and Director of Fine Art at UCL Slade
- Victoria Pomery OBE: CEO, The Box, Plymouth
- Neal Shasore Hon FRIBA: Architectural historian and writer
- Nichola Johnson OBE FSA: Director of the Guild of St George
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.
Awards
The following awards will be announced at the Exhibition Launch & Awards Announcement on Wednesday 28th January 2026
- 1st Prize: £3,000
- Ruskin Mill Trust Prize: £3,000
- Chelsea Arts Club Trust Prize (mid-career): £2,500
- Alan Davidson Under 26 Prize: £1,000
Exhibiton
The exhibition at Trinity Buoy Wharf will be open to the public from 29 January to 21 February. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge.
Opening hours:
Wednesday - Friday, 11am–5pm
Saturday - Sunday, 10am–5pm
Shortlisted artists:
Exhibiting artists are:
Elisa Alaluusua, Luke Alen-Buckley, Katie Allen, Kim Anderson, John Angus, Abigail Asher, Grace Ayson, Rachel Bacon, Russell Bamber, Jacqui Barrowcliffe, Camila Barvo, Jacob van der Beugel, Sharon Bolister, Jim Bond, James Bristow, Rogan Brown, Camilla Brueton, Henny Burnett, Belinda Bushby, Mark Butler, Andrada Calin, Duncan Cameron, Cas Campbell, Fiona Campbell, Birch & Casey, Oliver Chard, Charlotte Chisholm, Benet Dalmau Alsina, Nikki Davidson-Bowman, Karen Downing, Beverley Duckworth, Jacqueline Duncan, Keith Dymond, Izaac Elliott, Tzion Essel, Francis Evans, Hannah Fray, Jan Frith Johnston, Frankie Gao, Jill Gibson, James Gosling, Mary Griffiths, David Grinaway, Jo Guile, Lena Heinrich, Brian D Hodgson, Ellie Howitt, Zeha Imran, Wenjun Jiang, Emily Jo Gibbs, Rose Jones, James Kessell, Kishwar Kiani, Benxing Liang, Claire Louise Davies, Tessa Maiden, Tracy McBride, Donna Mclean, Matthew Merttens, Ravi Modi, Tom Mole, Stephanie Nebbia, Melissa Newbery Welcome, Peter Newell-Price, Anna Ólafsson, Kanmi Olukanni, Anne Petters, Robert Radcliffe, Fiona Roberts, Emily Rose Saunders, Minty Sainsbury, Rita Sarafian, Chris Shaw Hughes, Tomohiro Shibuki, Cathryn Shilling, Alison Stott, Bridget Tennent, Felicity Warbrick, Helen Ward, Jenny Wiggins, Eleanor Wood, Youyang Zhao
