Paul Hamlyn Foundation Awards for Artists 2024 celebrates 30 years as £750,000 awarded to 10 visual artists and composers

Now in its 30th year, Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Awards for Artists support visual artists and composers at a critical moment in their careers. Unique in its no-strings-attached funding model, Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Awards for Artists allows recipients to use their award as they wish, providing them the freedom to develop their creative ideas, relieving them of financial pressures they may be facing, and supporting their personal and professional growth. 

The 30th anniversary of the Awards for Artists marks an increase in the award from £60,000 to £75,000 each, reflecting the Foundation’s strong belief in the value of artists and their vital contribution to society. Since 1994, the scheme has benefited over 357 artists with awards totalling an astonishing £11.29 million, underscoring the significant contribution of the Award to the broader UK arts sector. This year, as in previous years, the recipients of the Award reflect the vitality and diversity of art making throughout the UK today.

The recipients were named at a ceremony held on 14th November at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London.

Rachel Musson is a saxophonist, improviser and composer. Widely acclaimed as an adventurous player and imaginative composer, she is involved in a variety of free improvisation projects. More recently, as can be heard on her 2024 album, Ashes and Dust, Earth and Sky, LLudw a Llwch, Daear a Nef, she has introduced composed elements to her work, drawing on text, field recordings and processing sounds.

Mark Sanders, a drummer/percussionist of British-Belizean heritage, has been at the forefront of improvised music worldwide for the last 40 years. Known for his playing in the fields of Free Jazz and Free Improvisation, his experience means he has a deep understanding of the processes needed to perform sensitive, dynamic and creative music within free improvisers or composed music of other genres. He performs at music festivals around the world and has released over two hundred cd and vinyl recordings.

Jane Hamlyn, Chair, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Chair, Visual Arts judging panel, said: “The visual artists and composers selected this year join an exceptional cohort, whose work throughout the 30 years of the Awards has continually reaffirmed our commitment to supporting artists. We hope this year’s Awards continue to offer artists crucial time, space and resource to explore their practice.”

Kevin Le Gendre, Writer, Broadcaster, Journalist and Chair of the Composers judging panel, said: “As judges, we’re proud to recognise the exceptional artists that make up this year’s Award recipients. Each showcases the vibrancy and potential of the arts and we hope the no-strings-attached Award gives them freedom to experiment and evolve their work.”

For more information visit www.phf.org.uk