The John Ruskin Prizeaward
The 9th John Ruskin Prize: Not for Present Delight
Collectives eligible
- Who Can Apply: Artists, designers and makers aged 18+ from anywhere in the world, amateur or professional. Individuals and collectives are eligible.
- The Focus: Work in any 2D or 3D medium, made in the past 4 years, that responds to the theme 'Not for Present Delight': making with an awareness of consequence and the future.
- The Funding: Four prizes totalling £9,500: 1st Prize £3,000, Ruskin Mill Trust Prize £3,000, Chelsea Arts Club Trust mid-career Prize £2,500, Alan Davidson Under 26 Prize £1,000, plus a £500 People's Choice materials award. Tiered entry fees: Standard £25/£40/£50, Under 26 £20/£30/£38, International £15/£20/£30 for 1/2/3 works.
- Key Requirements: Online entry with up to three images per artwork (under 5MB each) and dimensions and weight. Size caps: 2.4m maximum; 3D work up to 60kg; video up to 10 minutes. Confirm the work was made by a human.
DeadlineTuesday, November 17, 2026
AwardPrizes totalling £9,500 across four categories, with individual awards ranging from £1,000 to £3,000.
Application fee£25
LocationLondon, England
ParticipationHybrid
Career stagesAll Stages
Age range18–
Application notesEntry fees, paid online in the entry form (verbatim tiers): Standard entry: 1 artwork £25; 2 artworks £40; 3 artworks £50. Under 26 entry: 1 artwork £20; 2 artworks £30; 3 artworks £38. International entry: 1 artwork £15; 2 artworks £20; 3 artworks £30. Under-26 and International entrants pay less (from £20 and £15). No refunds. Apply via the ArtOpps portal (Parker Harris) by Tuesday 17 November 2026, 5pm. Submit work made in the last 4 years that engages with the theme. Any 2D or 3D medium is accepted; installations, diptychs and triptychs count as one artwork. Up to three images per artwork, each under 5MB (JPEG recommended), with height, width, depth and weight. Size limits: framed 2D up to 2.4m in any dimension; 3D up to 2.4m longest dimension and 60kg; film/video up to 10 minutes (MP4 if selected). Up to 80 artists are shortlisted, with notification by 11 December 2026. UK shortlisted artists deliver work to Trinity Buoy Wharf, London (21–22 January 2027). They are responsible for packing, insurance, framing and fixings, plinths, and collection (22–23 February 2027). International entrants need not send work and may be exhibited online and in the catalogue. Awards evening: 27 January 2027. Exhibition: 28 January – 21 February 2027.
Contactruskin@thebigdraw.org
The John Ruskin Prize