The John Ruskin Prize – Patience in Looking, Truth in Making

Location
Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK
Exhibition Dates: 29 January – 8 February 2026
Awards Ceremony: 28 January 2026

Open to
Artists, designers, and makers from anywhere in the world, amateur or professional, aged 18 and over. Both individual artists and collectives are welcome. All work must respond to the 2025 theme: Patience in Looking, Truth in Making. Work must have been made within the last 4 years.

Application Fee

  • Standard (1–3 artworks): £25–£50

  • Under 26 (with valid ID): £20–£38

  • International digital entry (no shipping required): £15–£30

What’s Provided

  • Up to £9,500 in prize money across 4 awards:

    • 1st Prize: £3,000

    • Alan Davidson Under 26 Prize: £1,000

    • Ruskin Mill Trust Prize (functional object): £3,000

    • Chelsea Arts Club Trust Prize (mid-career): £2,500

  • Exhibition for shortlisted work at Trinity Buoy Wharf

  • Promotion via press release and social media

  • Invitation to the Awards Ceremony

What the Artist/Applicant Must Cover

  • Submission fee

  • Packing, transport, and insurance of physical works (if shortlisted and based in the UK)

  • Framing and installation hardware

  • Any special display materials (e.g., plinths)

Duration
Exhibition: 29 January – 8 February 2026

Deadline
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 by 5pm (UK time)

Additional Notes

  • Works must be submitted digitally for judging

  • Selected artists may opt not to ship physical work if submitting digitally from abroad

  • Media accepted: painting, drawing, sculpture, print, installation, video, textiles, photography, performance, digital media, ceramics, and more

  • Maximum size limits and format restrictions apply (see original call for details)