The Dover Prize 2025 is now accepting applications, offering UK-based visual artists and creative practitioners a unique opportunity to secure a two-year bursary worth £10,000 to develop their work.
This biennial award is open to individuals, artist duos or collectives across the UK. Designed to support time for exploration, research and experimentation, the prize offers artists the space to consolidate their current practice or make a bold change in direction, with final works premiering in Darlington.
First launched in 1998 by philanthropist Peggy Nonhebel (née Dover), the prize celebrates its 26th edition in 2025. It was created to promote arts and arts education in Darlington and the wider North East.
Managed by Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation), the prize has so far distributed over £85,000 and supported more than 20 artists, helping to nurture a vibrant artistic community in the region.
The successful applicant will receive a £10,000 bursary paid over two years, offering freedom to explore fresh ideas, collaborate, or test new materials and methods. They’ll also receive support to secure exhibition venues and partners in Darlington, with a final showcase scheduled for 2027.
The funding can cover a wide range of costs including travel for research, materials, equipment, training or workshops. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they will use the prize to advance their artistic practice.
Those working in disciplines such as painting, ceramics, photography, digital art, film, performance, sculpture, printmaking, installation and related visual arts fields are all encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, artists must be based in the UK and meet at least three professional criteria — such as having exhibited their work, received commissions, or taken part in residencies.
The most recent recipient of The Dover Prize is Rebecca Moss, chosen from more than 320 entries for her humorous and engaging work with a strong public focus.
Rebecca said: “I am thrilled to win The Dover Prize at a very timely moment in my work and life. With this prize I plan to explore Darlington’s industrial heritage, thinking about pre-electronic power and energy, and drawing upon my interest in mechanisms that are activated by water. I still can’t believe I won, and I am so grateful for this award.”
Sharon Gollan, Head of Grants at Point North, added: “We’re always so excited to launch The Dover Prize and invite creative practitioners from across the UK to dream big. This prize is about time, space and ambition, it’s a chance for artists to develop bold new work that will be shared in Darlington.
“We’re also delighted to welcome this year’s judging panel, Phil Gatenby, Vicky Holbrough, Matthew Jarratt, Helen Marriage, Dr. Alistair Robinson, Vicky Sturrs and Stephen Wiper, who each bring incredible insight and passion for the arts. I can’t wait to see what ideas come forward this year.”
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (BST) on Sunday 1st, via the official website: www.thedoverprize.co.uk.
