Kleinwort Hambros launches its second Emerging Artist Prize

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leinwort Hambros has launched its second Emerging Artist Prize to help the recognition of contemporary art in the UK.

The Kleinwort Hambros Emerging Artist Prize had its first iteration in 2019 to reward a contemporary regional artist in the UK. However, this year, to reflect the challenging economic and social environment, Kleinwort Hambros will reward three artists.

Furthermore, the award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the next generation of artists that have been active on the scene. The candidates are British nationals or UK based, 35 years old or younger, with an original body of work.

The jury, composed of prestigious names from the UK art scene, including Sarah Brown, principle keeper of Leeds Art Gallery, Andrew Nairne, director of Kettle’s Yard at the University of Cambridge, Melanie Keen, director of the Iniva, London, Fiona Bradley, director of the Fruitmarket Gallery and Aurelie Deplus, head of contemporary art collection and Cultural Projects at Societe Generale, will choose the three winners in March.

Mouhammed Choukeir, CEO of Kleinwort Hambros, said: “Along with our parent company, Societe Generale, who has been an active patron of Contemporary Art for over 20 years, we recognise the importance of supporting up and coming artists, particularly during these challenging times.

“This initiative complements our nationwide approach to serving clients, with an active presence in key regions, including London, Newbury, Cambridge, Leeds and Edinburgh. It also reinforces our vision to be a leading responsible bank for client service and expertise, driven by creativity and innovation.”

He added: “While we’re proud that the Emerging Art Prize is the only award from a UK private bank to highlight young contemporary artists across the UK regions, this year we are also particularly pleased to be able to extend the financial support and reward the work of three artists”

London-based Evan Ifekoya was chosen as the winner of the prize in 2019, in recognition of the creative originality and urgency of her artistic output.