This October, TAP Contemporary will host a special two-week exhibition featuring the winners of the Women in Art Prize, marking the first time the prize's exhibition has been held outside London.
Founded in 2018, The Women in Art Prize is the UK's leading award dedicated to celebrating, supporting and championing women artists. The exhibition will showcase the work of the 2026 winners, giving collectors, art lovers and visitors the opportunity to discover an exceptional selection of contemporary art.
MEET LAST YEAR'S WINNER | AN INTERVIEW WITH JUDY CLARKSON
"When my name was read out, it was like a dream come true! It was a moment I'll always remember" - Judy Clarkson.
What first encouraged you to enter the Women in Art Prize, and what made you decide to put your work forward?
" I am constantly looking for opportunities and calls. As a woman painter, it seemed a natural fit, and the fact that one of the prizes was in the name of Paula Rego really caught my interest. I so hoped it would be mine!"
Can you tell us about your experience with the Women in Art Prize and what winning the 'Paula Rego Painting Prize' meant to you?
"I'm truly inspired by Paula Rego, as an artist and a person, so to win a prize in her name and funded by her estate was immensley significant. The Women in Art Prize is really prestigious and so many talented artists enter that it is such an honour to win one of the awards. It was a special thing for me to win this particular prize".
How did winning the Women in Art Prize impact your career?
"It's greatly increased my Instagram following, and has been an influence on a couple of big sales I have made. I was very touched that a painting of mine was used for this year's invitation. It doesn't end with a prize, because contact continues".
The WIAP is about celebrating and championing women artists. What does that mission mean to you personally, and why do you think initiatives like this are important?
"Unfortunately, initiatives like this are essential. There are so many women artists, but when you look at the art market, it's really shocking how little money women's art sells for compared to men's. Women's art is becoming more visible, but it's a slow process. WIAP is doing a very important job, bringing women artists recognition. Personally, it has been very motivating for me to win".
Looking back, what would you say was the most memorable part of your experience with the WIAP?
"I'll never forget that night years ago. The awards take place at the British Library, so it's a very grand and luxuroiys affair. I was trying to calculate the odds that I might win, so hoping that I could win the Paula Rego Prize, and when my name was read out, it was like a dream come true! It was a moment I'll always remember".
For any artists considering entering the prize in the fuuture, what would you say to encourage them to take the leap and submit their work?
"I would absolutely recomment entering. WIAP promates all women artists. It's really important to reach out and enter your work because whatever the outcome, you're seeing yourself as a serious artist and you're beign seen and that's what art is all about".
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