LONDON.- Celebrated chef and restaurateur Mark Hix announced the shortlist for this year’s 2018 HIX Award, the nationally acclaimed competition for art students and recent graduates.

The winner of the award will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony on Thursday 25th October, and an exhibition featuring work by all the shortlisted artists will be held at the HIX ART from Saturday 15th September until Sunday 11th November.

Since the award’s inception in 2013, it has rapidly achieved a nationally renowned reputation as one of London’s most sensational, yet accessible, student art awards. The award attracts artists from across the country and is widely praised for its scope, quality, and variety.

Now in its sixth year the award is at the forefront of the emerging art scene in the UK today. It offers the opportunity to be involved in a group exhibition, as well as the chance to receive one of London’s most-generous award prizes for students and recent graduates.

The winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize to go towards studio cost, a solo exhibition at HIX ART in 2019 and a name etching on the iconic HIX Award trophy, designed by Damien Hirst. Previous winners have included Joshua Raz, Felix Treadwell, Ally McIntyre and most recently Sam Bailey whose solo exhibition at HIX ART will open on 16th November. The award’s 30-strong judging panel includes; Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk, Stephen Webster, Dylan Jones, and Mark Hix himself.

Mark Hix says: Each year entries are increasing and the variety of work is proving more difficult to select the final shortlist. It’s always a tricky one and there are so many potential winners but it’s great to see how the future of the art world is evolving. Huge thanks to our sponsors Farrer & Co, Fortnum and Mason, Stephen Webster Jewelry, GQ, CASS ART and especially our lead sponsor Coutts private bank who without their support the award would not be where it is today.

The shortlisted artists are: Alexandria Frances Clow, Ali Ferro Kirby, Araminta Blue, Byungchan Kim, Charlotte Kidger, Elizabeth Eade, Grace Lee, Jo Lane, Lydia Makin, Mathilde Heu, Megan Rea, Minjoo Kim, Peng Peng, Phil Woodward, Roxette Cryer, Sam Harris, Stella Boothman, Susana del Rocio, Susanna Brunetti.