THE JUDGES

Works will be judged by a respected panel of guest judges with extensive knowledge and experience across the art industry.

Curtis Holder
Artist

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Curtis Holder is a London-based artist known for his large-scale portraits and figurative works created primarily in graphite and coloured pencil on paper. Drawing inspiration from intimate conversations with his subjects, Holder's multilayered portraits capture fleeting gestures and emotions with raw honesty, retaining preliminary pencil marks as part of his energetic process. In 2020, Holder achieved widespread recognition by winning the prestigious Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year competition, with judges praising his work as "magical" and "startlingly new".

Since then, Holder has continued to garner critical acclaim and awards, including The John Ruskin Prize which he won this year. His works are held in private and public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the National Theatre where he became the first ever Artist in Residence in 2022. Holder, who studied at Kingston University and Central Saint Martins, London, is a member of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters, The Pastel Society and an Associate Member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art.

Curtis Holder's Website
@curtisartist

Justin Mortimer
Artist

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Justin Mortimer is a highly esteemed figurative painter based in London, recognized as a pivotal influence for younger artists. Mortimer's distinctive vision transcends trends, offering a poignant reflection on the instability of the contemporary world. His paintings amalgamate internet imagery with archival material, illustrating a universe marked by uncertainty and shifting paradigms.

Recent solo exhibitions at renowned venues including Space K in Gwacheon, Korea, and Parafin in London attest to Mortimer's global impact. His work has been featured in prestigious group exhibitions such as those at Suprainfini Gallery in Bucharest and Eigen + Art in Berlin. Mortimer's accolades include the EAST Award and the BP National Portrait Award, and his paintings are held in esteemed collections worldwide, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary art.

Justin Mortimer's Website
@justinmortimerartist

Kathleen Soriano
Independent Curator & Sky Arts Artist of the Year Judge

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Kathleen Soriano is an independent curator, strategic consultant and broadcaster. Chair of the Liverpool Biennial, and Chair of Art UK, on the Visual Arts Committee of St Paul’s Cathedral and Advisory Council of 2 Temple Place, she is also a specialist advisor to the National Trust.

With over 35 years’ experience in the art world she has been responsible for contemporary and historical exhibitions, collections and public programmes at the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Royal Academy of Arts, where she was Artistic Director (2009-14), as well as at Compton Verney Art Gallery, where she was previously Director.

She has lectured and written extensively on art and her book Madam and Eve on women artists, co-authored with Liz Rideal, was published in April 2018. Her broadcast activities include the ten series of Portrait and Landscape Artist of the Year for Sky Arts.
@kathleen.soriano

Pippy Houldsworth
Founder & Owner of Pippy Houldsworth Gallery

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Pippy Houldsworth is the founder of Pippy Houldsworth Gallery in London. Beginning her career at Waddington Galleries, then New Art Centre and Roche Court, she started representing artists from a project space in North Kensington in the late 80s, before moving to Cork Street in 1999 and Heddon Street in 2011. The gallery programme centres on intergenerational dialogue, with a focus on amplifying the voices of female and underrepresented artists.

While the gallery has showcased debut UK solo exhibitions of internationally acclaimed artists such as Jacqueline de Jong, Faith Ringgold, Carrie Mae Weems, and Alina Szapocznikow, there is also a major focus on emerging artists. She has brought younger names such as Jadé Fadojutimi, Angela Heisch, Stefanie Heinze, and Li Hei Di to public attention, while facilitating early solo exhibitions and fostering institutional recognition on their behalf. This close collaboration with museums and other public institutions is at the core of the gallery’s mission. Another highlight of the gallery is The Box, a micro project space that hosts ambitious projects with both established and young artists.

Pippy is actively involved in the international art community, serving on advisory boards and as a patron of numerous UK non-profit organisations.

Pippy Houldswoth Gallery Website

Robert Diament
Co-host of Talk Art & Partner at Carl Freedman Gallery

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Robert Diamant is Partner at Carl Freedman Gallery and Counter Editions, a company that produces prints and multiples by leading contemporary artists such as Tracey Emin, David Shrigley, Lubaina Himid, Rachel Whiteread and Chris Ofili.

Before working in art, he was the lead singer of electro pop band Temposhark. He co-hosts the hit podcast Talk Art with actor Russell Tovey, which has over 8 million downloads. Founded in 2018, they’ve published over 300 one-hour interviews with leading artists, curators & gallerists, and even occasionally their talented friends from other industries like acting, music and journalism.

They have authored two Talk Art books, including the Sunday Times Bestseller 'Everything you wanted to know about contemporary art but were afraid to ask’. He lives and works in Margate, Kent.

Carl Freedman Gallery Website
Counter Editions Website
@robertdiament
@talkart

Ryan Stanier
Founder of The Other Art Fair

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Ryan Stanier, founder of The Other Art Fair, spearheads an international movement dedicated to showcasing emerging artists and providing them with a direct platform to connect with buyers. Since its inception in London in 2011, The Other Art Fair has expanded globally, with over 70 editions in major cities worldwide, selling over 75,000 artworks from young talents across 22 countries. Recognized as "The Future of Art" by The Guardian, the fair has propelled numerous artists to international acclaim and continues to grow in influence, offering innovative programming including site-specific installations, workshops, curated projects, and guest exhibitions.

Stanier's commitment to breaking down traditional barriers in the art world is evident in initiatives like New Futures, which supports emerging artists through mentorship and exhibition opportunities, as well as NOT 30%, a dedicated showcase for women artists. With over 1.6 million visitors and the support of high-profile artists, including Tracey Emin and Gavin Turk, Stanier's vision of making art accessible to all has become a reality, shaping the landscape of contemporary art globally.

@ryan.stanier
@theotherartfair

Sinta Tantra
Artist

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Sinta Tantra is a British artist of Balinese descent, Tantra spent her childhood in Indonesia, America and the UK where she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and the Royal Academy Schools.

Known for her colourful geometric paintings and site-specific murals, many in the public realm, Tantra’s work explores ‘painting on an architectural scale’.

The first recipient of the Bridget Riley Drawing Fellowship at the British School at Rome, previous commissions include The Contemporary Art Society, Folkestone Triennial, Karachi Biennale and Canary Wharf London. Tantra’s paintings are part of the UK Government Art Collection, MACAN Museum in Indonesia and Southeast Asia’s Louis Vuitton Collection.

Sinta Tantra's Website
@sintatantra

AWARDS, PRIZES & ELIGIBILITY
The Cass Art Prize 2024 presented by The Cass Group, aims to champion contemporary art from across the UK and Ireland, with a £10,000 cash prize and a free stand at The Other Art Fair in spring 2025 awarded to the overall winner of the competition. There are additional prizes worth £5,000 including a Student Award, an Art Educators Award and more! Plus a prestigious group exhibition at Copeland Gallery, London in November 2024.

TIMELINE


  • 12th MAR 2024
    Submissions Open
  • 20th MAY 2024
    Sumbissions close midday
  • 9th-11th JULY 2024
    All entrants, Longlist & Shortlist notified
  • 7th NOV 2024
    Prize Winners announced at Private View
  • 8th-16th NOV 2024
    Copeland Gallery Show
  • 25th NOV 2024
    People's Choice winner notified
  • MAR 2025
    Winner's stand at The Other Art Fair
Home   Awards & Prizes   Judges   FAQs & T&Cs

Header image: Curtis Holder © One Man And His Dog (detail), 2022, coloured pencil and acrylic gouache on paper, 120 x 120 cm

Awards, Prizes & Eligibility Image: Sinta Tantra, Padi Padi (detail), Tempera and 24ct gold leaf on linen, 120 x 80 cm, 2023