ARTIST PRIZES

creating exciting opportunities for independent & emerging talent

‘Women In Print’ was first proposed as an idea in response to the legacy of printmaker Gwenyth Alban Davis whose printing press and archive is now housed on long-term loan at Artlab Contemporary Print (ACPS) studios at University of Lancashire.
Initially perceived as a one-day symposium held at The Harris Museum in May 2018. This event acted as a catalyst for the creation of a new archive in the Northwest linking practice based and critically engaged research specifically focusing on women artists who engage print within a wider arts practice.
‘Women in Print 39’; is now a creative research project curated by Research Fellows Tracy Hill and Magda Stawarska, which explores how printmaking processes can enhance the profiles and expand the practices of women artists, through a residency programme and the development of a unique and internationally significant contemporary print archive.
Each year we invite 4 artists to create new and innovative artworks challenging their usual practice.
The inaugral ACPS Prize was awarded to Sana Obaid from the 2024 Curated Hang exhibition. Sana undertook a two-week funded residency to work with the research team at ACPS to develop a new printed edition which will be presented alongside our Women In Print editions at WCPF 2025.
1 month residency at Art Hub Studios Woolwich printmaking studio.
Annual membership to the Brixton-based studio and 10 sessions access.
8 session pass to one of the Bainbridge Print studios (based in either Vauxhall or Croydon) or workshop of your choice.
BBA Artist Award 2024, presented at Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, offers a unique opportunity for British artists to elevate their careers. The winner will receive a year-long representation on Artsy, valued at 500 Euros, providing global exposure to their work. In addition, they will showcase 3 to 5 artworks in a prestigious group exhibition at BBA Gallery in Berlin during 2025/6. To support this exhibition, the winner will also receive 250 Euros towards shipping and production costs.
Solo showcase at the following year’s Fair and purchase prize.
3 days access to City & Guilds of London Art School Print Room to learn or further develop historic etching techniques.
Created by Artiq
An international art agency that connects clients with the cultural world, Artiq curates collections and experiences for workplace, hospitality and residential clients across the globe, all while guaranteeing fair pay for artists.

Driven by a mission to expand opportunities for artists and makers, Artiq champions a sustainable arts economy where artists can thrive, and careers can be built.
In this spirit, the new year-long Creative Careers Prize will provide one emerging artist with dedicated mentorship and professional development from the Artiq team. The award is designed to nurture artistic practice, build industry connections, and help the selected artist grow a thriving, sustainable creative career.
NEW FOR 2025
CW+, the Hospital Charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is delighted to invite artists from Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair (WCPR) to apply for a unique and exciting residency opportunity. Based at our West Middlesex site, this residency offers a chance to be embedded in a dynamic hospital environment, working closely with departments transitioning to a new Ambulatory Diagnostics Centre opening in 2026, and creating work for the new space.
The pioneering CW+ Arts in Health programme has been in existence since the opening of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in 1993. It focuses on the link between human health and the environment, building on the robust body of evidence that outstanding design and engagement with the arts can improve physical and mental wellbeing.
With its work, CW+ aims to enhance the hospitals in its Trust and transform the experience of patients, their families and staff. From layout and lighting to acoustics and air quality, the charity creates environments that encourage recovery and support the delivery of the best possible care.
The CW+ Arts for All programme brings daily music, performance and creative activities into the wards, using art as a tool for healing. A visit from a musician or dancer, a craft class, a trip to the in-house cinema or an opportunity to work with an Artist in Residence can lift spirits and provide stimulation and social engagement.
1 year free Associate Membership and 10 free open access sessions at the East London Printmakers studio.
£150 (incl. VAT) vouchers to spend on materials at Intaglio Printmaker.
£180 (inc VAT) to spend on any printmaking materials or Gunning Etching presses and equipment from Ironbridge Fine Arts (Instagram: @IronbridgePrintmakers).
Purchase prize by exhibiting partner Jealous Gallery.
Purchase prize.
£150 voucher to spend at John Purcell Paper.
The awarded artist will join the following year’s international WCPF Open Call Panel.
Editorial feature in Printmaking Today magazine.
- Free account with concierge service (help entering their work info, manually check addresses etc. before despatch, and provide any other support required)
- 10 free Smart DNA Print Tags plus 10 free printed and personalised custom Certificates using their own design if they wish, with online provenance records, printed and posted free of charge to anywhere in the world
- Regular social media coverage of works, exhibitions during the year
- Artist of the month on the Tagsmart website for January
Membership, sessions and a place on an advanced print course of choice (worth £600) at Thames-side Print Studio.
A 6 page colour feature of an artist's interview with Gita Joshi, to be published in the Summer 2025 edition of Art Seen Magazine.
10 sessions and a 1 year membership at Sonsoles Print Studio.
Residency programme prize from Ushaw Historic House & Gardens. The winner undertakes a 2 week residency at the heritage site, responding to their extensive collection.
The work will then be exhibited at WCPF25, and then put on display for sale at Ushaw, as well as one edition being acquired for their permanent collection.
WCPF25 dedicated solo showcase.

With huge thanks to our partners who foster our artists through various awards and prizes, offering recognition, financial support and materials to promote their career development.