Karen Guthrie from last year’s winning duo, Somewhere, said of the experience of being shortlisted and taking part:
“The Northern Art Prize was an unexpected opportunity to bring together a lot of work we had done in the last few years into one show," said Karen. "Just doing that was a satisfying experience that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.”
The winners of the competition will this year win £16,500 with each of the three runners-up receiving £1,500. Prize money is donated, as last year, by national communication and design agency, Logistik, who also design the prize’s artwork, and Arup, international engineering, design and planning firm.
While the prize money adds up to a significant benefit of winning, Karen also pointed out the way the competition can showcase contemporary artists and the prestige associated with the prize.
“I hope that the prize can continue to profile and value work that takes place beyond the commercial gallery sector and the mainstream," she said. "This approach can keep it distinct from the other major art prizes. I know from the feedback I’ve had since that the prize gives artists, art lovers and art students in the region a lot to be proud of.”
