About The Secret Art Prize

Nurturing new talent

Curious Duke Gallery has organised The Secret Art Prize since 2014. The gallery is known for nurturing surreal and urban art by artists in the early stages of their careers and beyond.

The prize exists to support new talents and present them to a wider audience, often bringing street artists into a gallery environment for their first time.

The 2014 edition drew over 130 applicants and was followed by a highly popular Secret Art Prize exhibition. The prize returned for its second year in January 2015.

The Secret Art Prize was born from a simple but powerful idea: that great art deserves to be discovered, celebrated, and shared with the world. Every year, the prize invites artists working across surrealism, urban art, and contemporary visual practice to submit their most compelling work. The application process is open and accessible, welcoming both emerging talents and more experienced creators who have yet to receive the recognition they deserve. A panel of judges drawn from the art world carefully reviews each submission, looking for originality, emotional resonance, and technical skill. The shortlisted artists are then showcased in a dedicated exhibition, giving them valuable exposure to collectors, gallerists, and the curious public alike.

What truly sets this prize apart is its commitment to nurturing artists beyond the competition itself. Winners receive not only a cash award but also meaningful mentoring and professional support designed to help them take the next step in their creative journey. The gallery behind the prize has long championed artists who work outside the mainstream, particularly those whose practice bridges the gap between the street and the gallery wall. Runners-up and shortlisted participants also benefit from increased visibility through social media features, magazine coverage, and inclusion in group exhibitions. The entire initiative is driven by a spirit of curiosity and a belief that fresh perspectives deserve a platform to be seen.