What do I need to submit for The John Ruskin Prize?
Make sure your work responds to the theme, Seeing the Unseen, Hearing the Unspoken?
Make sure you have the dimensions for each submission ready to add into the portal. You will be asked to share the height, width and depth, and the weight as needed. Please note the following before submission:
Framed 2D work should not exceed 2.4m in any dimension.
Textile installations such as wall hangings may use the height of the room (4.5 metres) The maximum width for textiles is 4 metres, however this can be discussed if the size is larger.
Maximum height for 3D work is 8 foot (2.4 metres)
Film/Video should not exceed 10 mins at submission stage (MP4 and .MOV files) Film/Video can be longer at the exhibition but please let us know in your submission.
You can submit up to three images for each submission. Images need to be under 5MB and need to be either a JPEG, PNG, and TIFF file.
Take a look at our FAQs below for more details. Have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch and let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find an introduction to The 6th John Ruskin Prize, the prize tiers and the theme on our dedicated page. Here, you’ll find frequently asked questions to help guide you ahead of your submission.
1. What is the theme and do I need to respond to it?
Yes, all submissions need to respond to the theme. The theme is ‘Seeing the Unseen, Hearing the Unspoken’ - and this can be explored and interpreted in many different ways. Take a closer look at detailed guidance on the theme here.
2. IS PHOTOGRAPHY NOW ELIGIBLE?
Yes photography can be submitted. In previous years of the John Ruskin Prize, photography was not eligible for entry.
3. CAN ART/ design COLLECTIVES APPLY?
Yes, we accept entries from both individual artists and makers and those working as a collective. On application, please provide the name of the collective as your artist name. If you were to be selected as part of the shortlist and go on to win a monetary prize, the amount would have to be shared by the artists' comprising the collective.
4. I MAKE WORK THAT INCLUDES DIGITAL ELEMENTS or utilises a digital method, CAN I APPLY?
Yes, we are accepting work in both new and traditional media and work that combines the two. We are accepting work that includes photographic elements that has been manipulated or collaged, similarly, we accept installation or sculptural work with film / animation elements.
If you make process-led or performative work that is recorded by film or animation these works are also accepted.
5. I would like to enter work that was not made recently, can I still submit?
Yes, though it depends on how long ago you made the work. You can submit work made no more than 3 years ago, and the work needs to engage with the theme.
6. I don’t live in the UK. can I apply?
Yes. The 6th John Ruskin Prize is open to artists, designers and makers of all nationalities, aged 18 and over, working outside of the UK.
You can submit work in any medium, however submissions must be digital in format as work will be viewed and judged digitally. Do bear this in mind before you submit. If selected for exhibition, work will be exhibited digitally and international submissions will not need to be shipped for exhibition.
7. IF MY WORK IS SELECTED, CAN I SELL IT AT THE EXHIBITION?
Yes. Artists are able to sell their work at The John Ruskin Prize Exhibition. Your work will be added to the show catalogue with accompanying price list. The Big Draw will take a 30% commision on any work sold at the show. If you have any editions of your work and are selected for the exhibition, you may like to consider selling on our 'Ruskin Editions' online platform for shortlisted artists.
Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? Get in touch and let us know!