PHILLIPS TO HOST EXHIBITION FOR THE FINALISTS OF THE SOVEREIGN ART FOUNDATION LONDON STUDENTS PRIZE

On View in Phillips’ Berkeley Square Galleries from 16 to 19 December

Great Tower Night by Igor Samojednik, of Chestnut Grove Academy

Courtesy of the artist and The Sovereign Art Foundation

LONDON – 2 DECEMBER 2024 – Phillips is delighted to announce its collaboration with The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) to support the next generation of artistic talent. Established in 2012, the Sovereign Art Foundation Students’ Prizes are annual awards that celebrate the importance of art in the education system and recognise the quality of artworks produced by secondary-school students across the world. As the official exhibition venue partner for the London Students Prize, Phillips is proud to host the Finalists’ Exhibition, featuring the top 20 shortlisted artworks, at its Berkeley Square galleries from 16 to 19 December 2024.

Tamila Kerimova, Phillips’ Director, International Specialist, Modern & Contemporary Art, said, “Phillips is honoured to collaborate once again with The Sovereign Art Foundation and to host the Finalists’ Exhibition for the London Students Prize for the fifth consecutive year. This partnership underscores our commitment to championing the importance of art in education and supporting emerging talent through the Students Prize. At Phillips, we are passionate about discovering and showcasing exceptional artwork, and nurturing the next generation of artists is central to this mission. Each year, we are inspired by the creativity and skill demonstrated by secondary-school students. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our Berkeley Square galleries this December to celebrate these remarkable young artists."

Simon Denton, Managing Director Sovereign (UK) Limited and Board Member of Sovereign Art Foundation, UK, said, “The Sovereign Art Foundation is delighted to present the 5th edition of The SAF London Students Prize. The importance of art in schools is often underappreciated and underfunded. We recognise and champion art in schools, in the hope that students are able to explore and develop their creativity. The talent of the students continues to impress and amaze us and we are so grateful for the fantastic support of Phillips, partners since the first London Student Prize, they generously host the exhibition - providing an incredible space and wonderful opportunity for the finalists.”

Teachers at all secondary schools across London were invited to nominate up to ten of their students to submit artworks to the competition. This year 169 entries were received and assessed by a judging panel comprising professionals from different facets of the British art world, including Howard Bilton, Founder and Chairman of SAF, Melanie Gerlis, Art market columnist for the Financial Times, Nick Hornby, Artist, Tamila Kerimova, Director, International Specialist, Modern & Contemporary Art at Phillips, Kamiar Maleki, Collector, Curator, Fair Director, Patron and Philanthropist, Nicole Schoeni, Contemporary art collector, dealer and patron of the arts and Caroline Swinburn, Artist

The overall winner of The Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize, London 2024 will be awarded by the panel judges during the  the Finalists’ Exhibition.One student will be selected to receive the Judges’ Prize of  £800 and their school will also be awarded £2,000, benefitting  of a number of pupils studying art.

Exhibition visitors and are invited to  vote for their favourite finalist artwork, the most popular of which will receive a Public Vote Prize of £400 (and their school £1,000). Online votes will also be accepted via a web gallery with voting closing at 12:00hrs GMT on 18 December 2024. Winners will be announced at a private event on 18 December. Furthermore, students can choose to enter their works into a silent auction, where the proceeds will be split between the artist and Foundation, who will use funds raised to further their charitable aims. This year money raised will be donated onto Latimer Community Art Therapy (LCAT) a grass roots community organisation which provides accessible professional mental health support through art psychotherapy as well as community services and activities, to support creativity, physical, social, and emotional development.

Finalists of The Sovereign Art Foundation London Students Prize 2024

Exhibition: 16 – 19 December 20234

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am–6pm

Venue: Phillips, 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX

Admission: Free

Press Enquiries

Georgina Angus Georgina@sovereignartfoundation.com