Four early-career artists have triumphed in the Studiomakers Prize, winning rent-free workspace in the heart of the Square Mile.
The Studiomakers Prize is part of a new collaboration between the City of London Corporation, which provided £110,000 in funding, and Outset Contemporary Art Fund. Outset partnered with SET to deliver Prize workspaces in an empty commercial unit on Byward Street.
The initiative helps areas attract and retain the creative industries, and also gives artists professional development mentorships and networking opportunities.
Abi Palmer, Leily Moghtader Mojdehi, Luning Yang, and Yifan He, whose work spans painting, sculpture, and robotic installations, have moved into their studios in Byward Street, where they will be able to work rent-free for nine months.
The artists were selected from, among others, Slade School of Fine Art and Goldsmiths University by an expert panel of judges comprised of independent curator and writer, Fatos Üstek; Director of Vital Arts, Catsou Roberts; and curator and Members Programme Coordinator at SET Studios, Ellie Dobbs.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, Wendy Hyde, said:
"My colleagues and I are delighted to send our warmest congratulations to Abi, Leily, Luning, and Yifan who, so early in their careers, have consolidated their success by winning the Studiomakers Prize."
"Having their own rent-free studio space in our culturally vibrant Square Mile is a superb opportunity for these four artists at a pivotal point in their careers."
Co-Directors and Trustees of Outset Contemporary Art Fund, Candida Gertler OBE and Nicolette Cavaleros, said:
"We are thrilled that the Studiomakers Prize has found a new home in the City of London, in order to continue Outset’s commitment to studio provision that supports early-career artists, and their development."
"Our sincerest gratitude goes to our fruitful partnership with the City of London Corporation, whose grant funding has enabled us to relaunch the Prize, move into the heart of our capital, and support its Destination City aims to redefine the City as an important proposition to the creative and cultural industries."
Judges of the City of London Studiomakers Prize, Fatos Üstek, Ellie Dobbs, and Catsou Roberts, said:
"We congratulate all four recipients of the City of London x Outset Studiomakers Prize. We were truly excited by the breadth of applications and the artistic rigour. We believe that the four successful applicants will have a productive exchange with one another, and we are very excited to see their practices grow over the next nine months."
Artist Abi Palmer said:
"It’s actually really hard to find a studio near my home that’s both physically and financially accessible - the CoL x Outset Studiomakers Prize gives me a space to expand on technical aspects of my practice as I work towards more ambitious and sustainable installation, sculpture and film. I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity."
Artist Leily Moghtader Mojdehi said:
"The CoL X Outset Studiomakers Prize has given me the security of having a space to develop my practice, which in nature needs a workspace to exist and mature. I believe working in a shared space can ignite experimentation with mediums, techniques and methods; thus, I am excited to work amongst the other prize-winners, and learn from their differing practices."
Artist Luning Yang said:
"The 9-month studio bursary awarded by the CoL x Outset Studiomakers Prize allows me to keep developing work in London with other talented artists. I’m really looking forward to making more sculptures in the studio."
Artist Yifan He said:
"CoL x Outset Studiomakers Prize gives me the space and structure to further develop my practice, especially exploring the ways to make kinetic installations and soft robots. I am excited to become part of a diverse community of artists. I look forward to making new connections and perhaps forging collaborations!"
In recent years, the Studiomakers Prize has helped develop the careers of artists including Fani Parali, Andrew Hart, Joshua Kerley, and Sofia Mitsola, who have since exhibited their work internationally.
From 2017 to 2020, the Prize delivered the equivalent of 21 years of free workspaces to talented creatives, allowing their continued practice in London.
The City of London Corporation has launched Destination City, which will transform the Square Mile’s leisure offer, creating a leading destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.
With a £2.5 million annual investment from the City Corporation, Destination City will drive the Square Mile’s recovery from the pandemic and deliver an exciting events programme, including outdoor festivals featuring music, art, education, sport, and wellness.
Find out more:
