Left Bank Leeds Art Prize 2019: Shortlist Announced

An exciting and eclectic art exhibition focusing on the theme of ‘connection’ will be on show at Left Bank Leeds from 17-20 July. This annual event sees one exceptional artist take home a £500 prize, which is awarded by public vote.   

Artists and collectives were invited, via an open call out, to submit work that related to this year’s theme in any medium they chose. From 222 applications, which spanned painting, sculpture, digital art, performance pieces, installations and sound pieces, 38 have been selected to exhibit. Five artists have been shortlisted for the prize and will be featured here on The State of the Arts. 

The winner of the £500 prize will be decided at the exhibition opening event on 17 July, 6-8pm. Attendees are invited to explore the exhibition and cast their vote for one of the five shortlisted artists until 7.30pm, after which the winner will be announced. The exhibition will be open to visitors until 20 July. 

The shortlisted artists (and their Instagram profiles) are:

Katy Bentham / @katy_bentham

Arit Emmanuela Etukudo / @arit_emmanuela

Sarah Louise Hawkins / @sarahlouise_hawkins

David Sowerby / @davidsworldtoday

Leon G Varga / @varga_leon

Courtney Spencer, the Director of Left Bank Leeds and curator of this exhibition, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the Left Bank Leeds Art Prize continue to grow. It’s a great showcase of talent from Leeds, the UK and further afield. This year, we’re collaborating with The State of The Arts, who will be featuring the five shortlisted artists on their website. The £500 prize is awarded to help the winning artist develop their practice. 

“We want to increase awareness of Leeds as a vibrant city with a rich cultural offering, so it’s exciting to see an increase in submissions each year, which includes international artists from across the globe.” 

Exhibiting artists include Aamta-Tul Waheed, Sonia Moran, Cameron Lings, Susan Wright, Alexandra Vainshtein, Katie Potton, Katherine Sullivan, Jessica El Mal and Youcef Hadjazi, Phill Hopkins, Joe Hancock, Sarah Louise Hawkins, Trinidad Davanzo, Natalie Wardle, Jess Scott, Jonathan Hooper, Liz Hutchinson, Linda Pieters, LJ Wright, Arit Emmanuela Etukudo, Samantha Jagger, Denise Senneca, Amelia Baron, Gary Crowder, Yasmine Robinson, Toby Wiltshire, Megan Needham, Daniel Worth, Fran Ruane, Georgia Jean Smith, Leon G Varga, Katy Bentham, Sam Sherborne, Simon Dobbs, Steve Oliver, Lydia Hamblet, Anna Turner, D’arcy Darilmaz and David Sowerby. 

Left Bank Leeds is an independent multidisciplinary arts venue in Headingley, which is fast making a name for itself as part of the vibrant art scene in the city. The organisation hosts a regular programme of arts and events that promote growth, connection and wellbeing, with a vision of encouraging people, culture and celebrations to flourish in Leeds. Set in an amazing Grade II* listed former church building, it offers a unique backdrop for large art exhibitions and installations.

Attendees at the exhibition opening event on Wednesday 17 July will be able to cast their votes until 7:30pm when the votes will be counted and the winner announced. Spaces at the opening event can be secured at 2019artprize.eventbrite.co.uk and donations are welcome. 

The exhibition runs at Left Bank Leeds from 17-20 July, between 10am and 5pm.