Following a remarkable inaugural year, the Secret Coast Prize for Fine Art returns for its second edition, building on the momentum of an exhibition that quickly established itself as an exciting new fixture in Scotland's contemporary and international art calendar.
Last year's Prize brought together artists from across the UK, celebrating excellence in contemporary practice while fostering a genuine sense of community. With the generous support of Michael Harding, the inaugural Main Prize was awarded to Tim Sandys, while Heather Neavay received the Argyll & Bute Prize and Connor Draycott was recognised with the Early Career Prize. Alongside a strong programme of financial and material awards, the exhibition featured invited guest artists Henry Kondracki RSA and internationally acclaimed Spanish artist José Luis Serzo, helping to create an inspiring exhibition that attracted artists, collectors and visitors from far beyond Argyll.
This year, the Prize returns with even greater ambition. Acclaimed Scottish artist Robbie Bushe RSA joins us as our invited guest artist, while artists from across the UK and beyond are once again invited to compete for a growing programme of awards, recognition and exhibition opportunities.
The Secret Coast Prize is about more than winning. It exists to celebrate exceptional contemporary art, champion emerging and established talent, and strengthen the creative community that continues to grow around Tighnabruaich Gallery and the Scottish Contemporary Collective. As the Prize develops year by year, our ambition is clear: to establish the Secret Coast Prize as one of Scotland's leading contemporary art prizes, connecting outstanding artists from across the UK and internationally with collectors, curators and audiences on Scotland's Secret Coast.