The 9th John Ruskin Prize: Not for Present Delight

Deadline: 5pm GMT, Tuesday 17 November 2026
Location: shortlist exhibition at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, 28 January to 21 February 2027

One of the UK’s fastest-growing multidisciplinary art prizes is open to artists, designers and makers worldwide, including a £3,000 prize for a beautifully crafted functional object.

The John Ruskin Prize welcomes work in any 2D or 3D medium, from drawing, painting and printmaking to sculpture, textiles, photography, digital media, installation and performance, making it a strong opportunity for jewellers, silversmiths and makers working with craft and function.

This year’s theme, Not for Present Delight, comes from Ruskin’s The Seven Lamps of Architecture: “Let it not be for present delight, nor for present use alone.” It invites makers to consider whether art should serve a purpose beyond itself, and to reflect on consequence, responsibility and the reasons for making in the face of today’s environmental and social challenges.

Judges

Painter Miranda Forrester, designer Adam Nathaniel Furman, painter Ishbel Myerscough RA and ceramic artist Clare Twomey.

Prizes

First Prize: £3,000, supported by the Guild of St George, the charity founded by John Ruskin
Ruskin Mill Trust Prize: £3,000 for a beautifully crafted functional object
Chelsea Arts Club Trust Prize: £2,500 for a mid-career artist
Alan Davidson Under 26 Prize: £1,000, sponsored by The Alan Davidson Foundation
GreatArt People’s Choice Award: £500 of art materials, plus £100 of materials for one voter

Who can enter

Artists, designers and makers aged 18 or over, amateur or professional, from the UK and internationally, including collectives. Work must be original, made within the past four years and respond to the theme. Up to three works can be entered, and all entries are submitted digitally.

Entry fees

Standard: £25 for one work, £40 for two, £50 for three
Under 26: £20 for one work, £25 for two, £38 for three
International (digital): £15 for one work, £20 for two, £30 for three

Key dates

Entries close: 5pm GMT, Tuesday 17 November 2026
Entrants notified: by 11 December 2026
Private view and awards: 27 January 2027
Exhibition: 28 January to 21 February 2027, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London

Up to 80 artists will be shortlisted for the exhibition.

Enter: ruskinprize.co.uk/2027prize