Launched earlier this year, the LOEWE FOUNDATION / Studio Voltaire Award was created to celebrate talent, individuality and original ideas in contemporary art practice.

The program aims to increase and strengthen equitable representation and access, and amplify artistic voices regardless of class, race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Studio Voltaire and the LOEWE FOUNDATION have announced the seven artists who will receive the LOEWE FOUNDATION / Studio Voltaire Award. The award will provide support for two years in the form of free studio space, professional development opportunities and a fellowship.

Ayo Akingbade

So They Say, 2019

Ufuoma Essi

Bodies in Dissent

The second phase of the award, a new one-year residency for an international artist to be based at Studio Voltaire, will be announced later this year. The 2021-2023 awardees are : Ayo Akingbade, Ufuoma Essi, Adam Farah, Nnena Kalu, Djofray Makumbu, Josiah Moktar and Curtly Thomas. The selected artists work in a variety of disciplines and media, encompassing a range of interests, experiences and modes of working. Each winner receives free workspace in the new Studio Voltaire buildings for two years, a £2,000 grant, an individualized mentoring and professional development program, dedicated tutorial support, and access to a local and international audience via public event programming.

Adam Farah

STROLLCAST with Abbas Zahedi for B-Sides (MOMENTATIONS MIX), 2020

Nnena Kalu

Nnena Kalu Wrapping, Humber Street Gallery, Hull, 2019

Djofray Makumbu

Hello Mr Officer

Josiah Moktar

Still Life, 2020

Curtly Thomas

Finding Doro, Work in Progress