Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Competition 2021

Earlier this year I entered the following two lockdown self-portraits into the Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Competition.

About the Competition

Encouraging the development of contemporary self-portraiture the £10,000 Ruth Borchard Prize and establishment of the Next Generation Collection is intended to reflect and celebrate the traditions which inform the Original Collection. Maintaining Ruth’s efforts to acquire self-portraits from renowned and emerging artists the prize is open to all artists. The only requirement is that the work must be a self-portrait.

The Long List

I was delighted that my work was selected from 2000 odd entries for the ‘long list’ however I was disappointed that the shortlist eluded me!

I received the following email from the organisers:

“Dear artist,
Further to our previous communication, we write with more detail regarding your participation in the online self-portrait prize exhibition.

As a mark of achievement, the exhibition is exclusive to long-listed artists. From 14th May – 1st October 2021, alongside our wider celebration of the genre, long-listed works will be made accessible via our website and Artsy page. Throughout this period we will also run an Instagram campaign highlighting individual artists.“

The Shortlist

The shortlisted work will be shown in an exhibition at Coventry Cathedral as part of the City of Culture.

To celebrate UK City of Culture 2021 an exhibition of self-portraits will go on show amongst the treasure trove of artistic ‘jewels’ found at Coventry Cathedral. 

Alongside the winner of the £10,000 Ruth Borchard Prize, the exhibition will include a shortlist of works selected from Prize submissions. Offering a unique opportunity for contemporary artists to have their work exhibited in a significant public venue it highlights The Collection’s ongoing commitment to the celebration and promotion of self-portraiture.