The LGC Art Prize is Back Supported by retail entrepreneur & TV dragon Theo Paphitis

London Graphic Centre (LGC), the iconic arts retailer, is excited to announce the return of the LGC Art Prize 2023, supported by Theo Paphitis.  Following the successful launch of the Theo Paphitis Art Prize last year, the art prize returns this year rebranded as the LGC Art Prize. The LGC Art Prize 2023 is a free initiative that offers budding artists and creatives a platform to showcase their work and win a range of prizes, including cash, materials and vouchers worth £10,000!

The theme for the LGC Art Prize 2023 is Connections, a theme that allows all budding artists and creatives to explore the concept of connectivity, relationships and interdependence.

Retail Entrepreneur & LGC Chairman Theo Paphitis said: “I was absolutely blown away by the quality and depth of last year’s submissions and I’m delighted to once again be bringing back and supporting the LGC Art Prize in 2023! Art is such an important part of the fabric of our society, never more so than now when times are tough, and offers that light and opportunity to connect that we all need. As an entrepreneur, I know just how important it is to have the platform to be able to showcase your work - that’s why I’m happy to be supporting a free initiative which does just that!”

The competition is free to enter and opened on Tuesday 16th May, with submissions closing on Sunday 9th July. The winners will be announced at an exclusive awards evening in September.

Prizes on offer:

LGC Art Prize Winner - £5,000 cash + £500 worth of materials from LGC + £500 voucher from Liquitex, Winsor & Newton + £500 voucher from Pebeo

People's Choice Award, voted for online by the public - £2,000 cash + £250 worth of materials from LGC + £250 voucher from Liquitex and Winsor & Newton.

The One to Watch - £500 + £100 worth of materials from LGC + £100 voucher from Liquitex and Winsor & Newton + Mentoring from a City Lit tutor

The renowned judges joining Theo Paphitis on the judging panel this year are Kate Brinkworth, Tom Croft, Brian Reed and Jayne Kay. 

Returning LGC Art Prize 2023 Judge Kate Brinkworth said: “After last year’s theme of Escapism, Connection feels like a natural continuation. We have all recently felt the various sensations that disconnection, connection and reconnection can bring. Whether it be literal - connections & bonds we find with each other, with the physical & natural world that surrounds us or exploring connections we feel & experience on a sensory level, this theme offers broad scope for exploration.”

LGC Art Prize 2023 Judge Tom Croft said: "I am thrilled to be one of the judges this year for the London Graphic Centre Art Prize. As a kid my dad would take me to LGC whenever we were in town, so I have a strong history with the shop and it still excites me walking in! As a working portrait painter I know how important it is to get your work out there and be seen by as wide an audience as possible, to showcase your skills and potentially gain new sales and commissions.”

LGC Art Prize 2023 Judge Brian Reed said: “I am very honoured to be included on the panel and am extremely looking forward to reviewing the wide range of great creative work submitted on the theme of connection - experiencing the pleasure people had producing them - and discussing the works with the rest of the panel.”

LGC Art Prize 2023 Judge Jayne Kay said: “I am very excited and privileged to be involved in the Art prize this year. Looking back at the high standard of the work of the prize winners from last year, I am anticipating seeing some wonderful talent emerging. I am passionate about art and I love seeing how artists respond to the world in a unique and personal way.”

For full terms and conditions, and more information on how to enter click here or visit: https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/art-prize