Our Judges
The panel that reviews submissions to The Secret Art Prize, organised by Curious Duke Gallery.
Judges are chosen for their expertise in urban and contemporary art. They assess the entries and help select the artists recognised by the prize.
How the panel works
Expertise across the field
The Secret Art Prize is run by Curious Duke Gallery, a gallery that supports new talent and presents it to a wider audience. The judging panel reflects that outlook: people who work closely with contemporary and urban art and who are looking for genuinely original approaches.
Entries are considered across five categories — drawing, painting, print making, mixed media and photography — and the panel weighs each submission on its own terms.
Curatorial judgement
Judges bring a curator's eye to the selection, considering how a work reads in a gallery setting and in the context of a wider exhibition.
Artistic practice
Working artists on the panel assess technique, originality and the strength of each artist's individual voice.
Feedback and selection
The panel provides valuable feedback and takes part in choosing the prize winners.
The secret art prize invites artists from around the world to submit work that challenges convention and sparks curiosity. Each year, the competition draws a diverse range of entries spanning painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media. What sets this prize apart is its commitment to discovering fresh voices rather than rewarding established names. The judging process is designed to surface originality and authentic creative expression, giving emerging talents a platform to reach new audiences. For artists seeking recognition beyond the familiar gallery circuit, this represents a genuine opportunity to have their work seen by influential figures in contemporary and urban art.
Curiosity drives every stage of the secret art prize, from the moment an artist decides to apply to the final selection of winners. The organisers believe that the most compelling art asks questions rather than providing easy answers. This philosophy attracts applicants who are unafraid to experiment with unconventional materials, bold themes, or unexpected techniques. The resulting shortlist reflects a broad spectrum of approaches, united by a shared willingness to take creative risks. For the audience, exploring these works becomes a journey of discovery, revealing perspectives and stories that might otherwise remain hidden from public view.
Beyond the competition itself, the secret art prize fosters a community of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts who share a passion for contemporary visual culture. Winners and shortlisted artists gain exposure through exhibitions and features that introduce their work to a wider audience. The prize also serves as a meeting point for different creative disciplines, encouraging dialogue between traditional studio practice and the energy of street art and urban expression. This cross-pollination of ideas keeps the prize fresh each year, ensuring that both participants and viewers encounter something unexpected with every new edition.
What they look for
Originality first
- Unconventional processWork that shows a truly original approach rather than a familiar formula.
- Strength of mediumConfident use of drawing, painting, print making, mixed media or photography.
- Urban and contemporary outlookArtists working in the urban and contemporary field, whether established or still building a profile.
The prize is open to all urban and contemporary artists.
From the panel to the prize
For the 2017 edition, the winner received a £1000 cash prize, exhibition space at Moniker Art Fair with curatorial support from Moniker Art Fair and Curious Duke Gallery, full representation from Curious Duke Gallery, mentoring from CDG founder Eleni Duke, and an artist profile in After Nyne Magazine.
Read the full breakdown on the prize page, or see how to enter on the apply page.