About Women in Art Prize
Our History
Formerly known as The Holly Bush Painting Prize, this initiative was started by Sue Ecclestone, who laid the foundation for recognizing and promoting the incredible talents of women in the arts. In 2023, Sue entrusted the continuation of this important mission to Gabrielle du Plooy, our current Managing Director.
Our Mission
The Women in Art Prize CIC is dedicated to empowering and celebrating women artists from diverse backgrounds by providing a platform that recognises their creativity, innovation, and contributions to the art world. We strive to foster inclusivity and visibility for women in the arts through our awards, exhibitions, and community initiatives.
By championing artistic excellence and advocating for gender equity, we aim to inspire future generations of women artists and create a more balanced and representative art community. Together, we transform the narrative around women in art, ensuring their voices are heard and their talents celebrated.
Meet Gabrielle du Plooy
Managing Director
Gabrielle du Plooy is a passionate advocate for women's rights in the arts and the driving force behind the Women in Art Prize. With a background in art curation and management, Gabrielle has dedicated her career to championing emerging and established female artists.
Under Gabrielle's leadership, the Women in Art Prize has evolved from The Holly Bush Painting Prize into a prominent platform that not only recognizes artistic excellence but also fosters meaningful connections among artists, curators, and art enthusiasts.
Our Community
We are proud to cultivate a vibrant community of artists, supporters, and advocates who share our passion for promoting women in the arts. Through our events, exhibitions, and partnerships, we aim to create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional development.
Get Involved
Whether you are an artist, art lover, or advocate for change, we invite you to be a part of the Women in Art Prize community. Together, let's empower women in the arts and inspire future generations of female creatives.
Our Policy
As a CIC we are not for profit. We want to create a diverse and inclusive community for all women artists. We are committed to allyship and will continue championing a plurality of voices. But, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.
We understand that our work to correct the gender imbalances of the art world must be intersectional and recognise the systemic barriers that may be layered onto gendered experience. We encourage artists from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to enter the Women In Art Award
