The charming Georgian market town of Holt in Norfolk, where galleries, cafés, restaurants and independent shops thrive, is delighted to be resuming its role as host of East Anglia’s celebration of creativity, Holt Festival, this summer. The global pandemic sadly put the breaks on the event in 2020, however, the much celebrated art prizes were thankfully still able to go ahead. Now the town’s community is once again looking forward to hosting musicians, poets, actors, dancers, artists and comedians for the duration of festival week which runs from Sunday 25 July to Sunday 1 August 2021.
The Sir John Hurt Art Prize and Sworders Art Prizes are integral to the festival celebrations.
The Sir John Hurt Art Prize
The Sir John Hurt Art Prize sees an increase in prize money to £2,000 (formerly £1,750). The winning artwork will be exhibited at the prestigious Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich, in the autumn.
The Sworders Art Prizes
19-23 year old category - The winner will receive a cheque for £750 and a commission free exhibition at The Gallery, Holt.
16-18 year old category - Sworders are delighted to be sponsoring a new category for 16-18 year olds this year. The winner will receive a cheque for £500.
WINNER OF THE SWORDERS ART PRIZE 2020
Grace Alexander
'Self-Image'
Oil paint on MDF board
WINNER OF THE SIR JOHN HURT ART PRIZE 2020
Eleanor Wood
'Realignments 2'
Watercolour, waxed paper and oil on paper
Artists are invited to submit their entries online and a shortlist for each prize will be announced by midnight on Sunday 27 June.
All entries for the Sworders Art Prizes are automatically entered into the Sir John Hurt Art Prize. The selected works are then included in the Shortlist Exhibition which will run from 24th July 2021 at the Adrian Hill Gallery, Holt, with judges announcing the winners on Sunday 25th July.
The closing date for entries is midnight on Sunday 20th June.
For more information about the prizes, the judging panel, and how to enter, please visit http://www.holtfestival.org/artprizes/
Image of Sir John Hurt © Andi Sapey