This October, 17th–31st October, TAP Contemporary Gallery in Chelmsford will become the first gallery outside London to host the Women in Art Prize winners, as the prestigious Prize embarks on its first-ever national tour.
Presenting the work of the winners of the 9th Women in Art Prize, the exhibition will bring together an exciting selection of contemporary artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, illustration, mixed media and more.
The exhibition will officially launch with a special opening event on Saturday 17th October, from 1–3pm. Click here to RSVP.
Celebrating 9 years of championing women artists
The Women in Art Prize is the UK’s leading not-for-profit award dedicated to celebrating and championing women artists. Founded to help address the gender imbalance within the arts, the Prize has grown into an influential platform supporting both emerging and established artists at pivotal stages of their careers.
Over the past nine years, WIAP has provided artists with much more than recognition. Its programme offers financial awards, exhibitions, international opportunities, mentoring and professional development, helping artists develop their practices and build sustainable careers.
From London to Chelmsford
The 2026 finalists’ exhibition will be the first to travel nationally, opening at TAP Contemporary before continuing its journey to audiences elsewhere in the UK. For TAP Contemporary, being selected as the opening venue of the national tour is a particularly significant milestone.
Our new Chelmsford space was created as a destination for contemporary art in Essex, bringing together original work by established and emerging artists and introducing audiences to artists from across the UK and internationally.
For Gallery Owner, Soo Turner, supporting the exhibition is particularly meaningful:
"As a woman who has worked in the art industry for more than 30 years, I know how important it is to create opportunities that celebrate and champion female artists. That's why I'm incredibly proud that TAP Contemporary has been chosen as the first gallery outside London to host the finalists of the Women in Art Prize as the exhibition begins its national tour. It's an honour to bring such an inspiring collection of work to Chelmsford, giving our community the chance to experience some of the UK's most exciting artistic talent while supporting a platform that continues to elevate the voices of women in the arts." – Soo Turner, Founder, TAP Contemporary.
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