Amplifying Unheard Voices: The 9th Women in Art Prize Celebrates Visionary Female Artists at London’s British Library
LONDON — "We believe it is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of women artists, who have historically been underrepresented in the art world. This prize aims to break down barriers and provide a platform for women artists to have their voices heard and their work celebrated." - Gabrielle du Plooy, Director of the Women in Art Prize
With these powerful words, the Women in Art Prize (WIAP) framed a night of milestone celebrations at the Pigott Theatre inside the British Library on September 18, 2026. As the initiative approaches its tenth anniversary, the 9th Annual Awards served as both a celebration of exceptional craft and a vital exercise in cultural diplomacy—proving that bridging gender gaps in the arts requires more than applause; it requires sustained infrastructure, funding, and international visibility.
More Than a Trophy: Building Global Pathways
What sets the Women in Art Prize apart is its concrete investment in an artist’s trajectory. Beyond cash grants, the 2026 programme unfolded a rich tapestry of residencies, gallery booths, and public commissions designed to take artists across borders:
Global Commissions & Fairs: The newly launched WIAP x Synonym Gallery Artist Development Award handed Mexico-based artist Claudia Robles-Gil a public art commission in Mexico City and a platform during Mexico City Art Week 2027. Meanwhile, winners of the Georgina Pounds Gallery Award were granted spots at the prestigious Zona Maco Art Fair.
Residencies of Inspiration: Abby Hope Skinner, recipient of the Painting Prize, secured a fully funded residency in Morocco, while Young Woman in Art recipient Nadia Zekouki Andres earned a residency in Bracknell alongside professional materials from Daler-Rowney.
Empowering Diverse Voices: Eve Morrison took home the Susan Angoy Artists of African & Caribbean Heritage Prize, earning financial support alongside direct mentorship from acclaimed artist Sharon Walters through the Tim May Mentoring Programme.
Artists Honouring Artists
In a deeply personal artistic touch, every single award recipient walked away with a bespoke ceramic trophy crafted exclusively for the event by British contemporary sculptor Gwenda Jones ARBSA. Handcrafted through intricate processes of glazing and multiple firings, the trophies stood as unique works of fine art created by one artist to celebrate the triumphs of another.
The ceremony was hosted with elegance by Arngunnur Aegisdottir, Creative Director of Mall Galleries and Chairwoman of WIAP. Presenters spanned a roster of cultural heavyweights, including BAFTA-winning producer Alix Wilton Regan, Photo London Director Sophie Parker, Frieze Sculpture curator Fatoş Üstek, and Chanel’s Head of International Social Commitment, Nicky Della Mote.
Reflecting on the mission, Gabrielle du Plooy, Director of the Women in Art Prize, shared:
"We are incredibly proud to continue expanding the opportunities we offer artists. From financial awards to international residencies and mentoring, our goal is to create lasting impact and meaningful pathways for women in the arts."
A Digital & Cultural Movement
Operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC), WIAP has grown far beyond an annual award ceremony. Driven by a global social media community exceeding 530,000 followers and generating over 26 million monthly views, the organization acts as a high-visibility amplifier, WIAP continues to prove that when women artists are given the mic and the canvas, the global cultural narrative shifts for the better.
