Record Breaking Entries for the Cooper Prize 2023

There have been a record number of entries to the Cooper Prize 2023. Over four hundred artworks have been submitted to South Yorkshire’s most prestigious art competition.

With entries from across the region, including many different mediums, the standard of submissions has been incredibly high.  The judging process is currently taking place, and winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Friday, 27 October. Winning entries will be displayed in an exciting exhibition opening at the Cooper on the same date.

The prize, presented by the Cooper Trustees, welcomed submissions from artists at all stages in their careers including professionals, amateurs, graduates, and students.

The Cooper Prize overall winner will receive £1,000 in prize money, sponsored by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, along with a solo exhibition in Autumn 2024 in the intimate and elegant space of the Sadler Room.

The Sadler Award winner will receive £500, sponsored by the Mayor of Barnsley, plus there is an additional Barnsley College Special Award for Originality and Skills of £100.

The Fox Gift winner for U16s will receive a £100 voucher for art materials. For the Cooper Prize 2023, the Cooper Trustees along with curators for the Gallery, will select a piece to purchase for the Cooper Gallery Collection.

Some artworks selected by Mayor Oliver Coppard will go on display at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority head office from April to September 2024.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’re delighted that there have been so many entries to the Cooper Prize 2023. The ambition of the Cooper Gallery has always been to support and encourage local talent and the quality of this year’s submissions has been outstanding, making it apparent that South Yorkshire is bursting with creativity.  People can see all of the winning entries at a new exhibition in October once the judging process has taken place.