Cass Art, the beloved British art supply retailer, has announced the return of The Cass Art Prize for 2025, reinvigorated with an expanded £25,000 prize pool, a fresh panel of esteemed judges, and an exhibition at Copeland Gallery in London. The Main Prize winner will receive a £10,000 cash award alongside a coveted stand at Saatchi Art’s The Other Art Fair, positioning the competition as a major platform for emerging and established artists alike.
Open to artists across the UK and Ireland—whether professional practitioners, educators, students, or passionate amateurs—the competition offers a host of new categories and opportunities. Prizes include £1,500 in art supplies, £1,000 cash prizes, and a solo exhibition at Soho Revue gallery, reinforcing Cass Art’s long-standing commitment to nurturing artistic talent.
A Platform for the Next Generation of British Art
The 2025 Cass Art Prize exhibition will run from October 24 to November 1, with the award ceremony set for October 23. This year’s distinguished panel of judges features acclaimed painter and former National Portrait Gallery Portrait Award-winner Ishbel Myerscough, Turner Prize-nominated sculptor David Mach RA, Times Radio arts and culture producer Tim Allen, Soho Revue founder India Rose James, Bomb Factory director Pallas Citroen, cultural curator and TV personality Ryan Lanji, and internationally exhibited artist Michaela Yearwood-Dan.
Cass Art Prize Getty Images
New to the competition are four additional prize categories designed to broaden the competition’s reach and impact. The Over 65 Award, supported by Cass Art founder Mark Cass, celebrates artists in later life. The Judge’s New Talent Award, selected by India Rose James, grants a solo exhibition at Soho Revue. Meanwhile, the Emerging Artist Award, sponsored by Arches, spotlights artists aged 35 and under, and the Pastel Award, backed by Sennelier, recognizes outstanding works in the medium.
Mark Cass, Founder and CEO of Cass Art says “My family has a long, proud history of supporting artists. We are delighted to continue this legacy and announce the return of The Cass Art Prize for 2025. Our mission is to fill every town with artists, and from professionals to beginners our inaugural Prize showed us there is truly something for everyone with this prize. We look forward to seeing and showcasing the incredible talent across the Cass Art and SAA communities in our second year.”
A Legacy of Artistic Recognition
The Cass Art Prize has quickly become a defining moment in the UK’s contemporary art landscape. The 2024 competition showcased the depth and breadth of British and Irish artistry, culminating in the Main Prize victory of rising star Reuben Murray for Ada, a powerful portrait exploring the history of self-liberated African Maroons in Jamaica. The People’s Choice Award, which garnered international attention, was won by blind art student Ruqaiya Asim for Communication With My Guide Dog, a groundbreaking piece that challenged perceptions of visual art and accessibility.
The Prize extends a storied tradition of artistic patronage within the Cass family, whose support for artists spans over 125 years—from championing the works of Monet and Van Gogh in the 1890s to facilitating the first three commissions on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. For 2025, that pioneering spirit continues with the integration of the SAA (Supporting All Artists), the UK’s largest art club with over 30,000 members, into the Cass Group. SAA’s well-established ‘Artist of the Year’ competition will now function as a category within the Cass Art Prize, featuring dedicated awards for wildlife, abstract, landscape, still life, and portraiture.
Recognizing the creative talent within its own ranks, the Cass Group is also introducing special prizes for its staff—many of whom are practicing artists and provide expert advice in Cass Art’s 13 stores across the UK.
Submissions and Entry Details
Everyone is encouraged to enter the Cass Art Prize 2025. Submissions open from 4 March 2025 until 13 May 2025.
Artists are encouraged to submit their work for consideration starting March 4, 2025, with entries closing on May 13, 2025. Entry fees range from £12 for a single submission to £36 for four, with discounted rates for students and educators. As the Cass Art Prize continues to evolve, it remains a vital force in celebrating and elevating contemporary artists, reaffirming its position as a launchpad for new talent and a showcase for the rich diversity of British and Irish art.
For more information on how to enter visit cassart.co.uk/thecassartprize
©2024 Cass Art
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