New £25,000 ART PRIZE to help young talent

American investment banker John Studzinski will tonight decide who will receive his new £25,000 prize to help unlock the unparalleled artistic talent of Britain.

Six arts leaders including War Horse director Tom Morris and Polly Staple, director of the Chisenhale Gallery in Mile End, are in contention for the Genesis Prize which is as large as the Turner Prize.

It cannot be used for their own work, however. It is awarded for the purpose  of nurturing and mentoring younger artists. “With other prizes, the winner can take the £25,000 and use it as a deposit on a flat or for a holiday, but these six people have given us proposals for how they’re going to invest it,” said Mr Studzinski.

“This isn’t about them winning an award for their day job, it’s about them doing things over and above their day job to mentor and nurture young artists and help inspire their dignity and creativity. We have to see this as seed capital.”

The other contenders are Hamish Dunbar, founder of Café Oto which presents experimental music in a Hackney warehouse; Marc Boothe, founder of the arts and media network B3 Media in Brixton; Nadine Mortimer-Smith, director of Opera in Colour, which brings operas to all cultures, and Joe Scotland, of Studio Voltaire, which offers studios and arts in Clapham.

Mr Studzinski, 56, said: “London has probably the highest concentration in the world of artistic talent and potential in one concentrated geographical area. But it has the potential to be an even more powerful crucible.”
Young artists need to be encouraged and supported, he added.

“It’s not just about money, it’s about networks and people acknowledging what young artists have done and following them over many years.” The prize is an extension of the work already carried out by his Genesis Foundation, which was founded in 2001 to help professional artists at the beginning of their career. He funds it to the tune of up to £5 million each year.

Mr Studzinski will make his decision with experts including Young Vic boss David Lan, architect Richard Rogers and actress Janet Suzman. Those who miss out this time can apply for the next award in two years.

By Louise Jury
Chief Arts Correspondent
Evening Standard
Monday 26 March 2012