Serpentine and FLAG Art Foundation launch £1m transatlantic art prize
UK’s largest contemporary art prize to support emerging artists in London and New York
Serpentine and the FLAG Art Foundation have unveiled a new decade-long partnership to support emerging artists worldwide, creating the UK’s largest contemporary art prize. Over the next ten years, £1 million will be awarded to five artists, with £200,000 each, offering significant support at a pivotal stage in their careers.
Prize winners will mount solo exhibitions first at Serpentine in London or FLAG in New York, before reimagining the show at the partner institution. Each presentation will include a catalogue and live programme. The inaugural exhibition opens at Serpentine in Autumn 2027 and travels to FLAG in Spring 2028.
The prize is open to artists of any age or nationality who have been exhibiting professionally for fewer than ten years and are building a strong international record. Recipients will be selected by a rotating jury of curators, art historians and artists.
Bettina Korek, CEO of Serpentine, said: “This partnership deepens our mission to connect artists and audiences across borders. It gives emerging artists the space to expand their practice, inspired by Zaha Hadid’s spirit of experimentation.”
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine, added: “The focus is on artists who have not yet received the recognition they deserve. This prize will give them visibility and support at a crucial stage.”
Glenn Fuhrman, founder of FLAG Art Foundation, said: “Working with Serpentine allows us to extend FLAG’s commitment to artists globally and provide opportunities to share their work with new audiences.”
This initiative builds on FLAG’s history of supporting emerging artists through prizes, exhibitions and publications, including past recipients such as Nicole Eisenman, Tarek Atoui, Lubaina Himid and Sable Elyse Smith.
Featured image: (Left) Serpentine. Photo © Andy Stagg for the Serpentine. (Right) The FLAG Art Foundation, 2025. Photo © Steven Probert
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.