The IK Prize, a new annual prize presented by Tate celebrating creative talent in the digital industry, was announced today. Supported by the Porter Foundation, the Prize will be awarded annually to a team, company or individual based on innovation in the field of digital engagement over the previous 12 months. Four entries will be shortlisted and showcased at Tate Britain and the winner will be commissioned to develop a new project over a six-month period to be installed at the gallery.
The IK Prize, named in memory of the philanthropist Irene Kreitman, will identify the stars of a generation producing new creative ideas. The winner will be given a prize of £10,000 and a £60,000 development budget to realise a project that will connect audiences with art in the BP Walk Through British Art at Tate Britain. Candidates for the prize will have previously realised a successful project in the area of digital engagement, in the commercial or public sector. Those shortlisted will be invited to pitch an idea that will bring Tate’s collection of 500 years of British Art to a wider audience, whether as an immersive website, app, multimedia tour, gallery installation, or in other digital forms.
A panel will assess the work and agree a shortlist from which the winner will be chosen. Comprising high-profile individuals and industry experts, including Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia, and at least one member who brings an international dimension, the panel will select a shortlist of four to go on display at Tate Britain.
Nicholas Serota, Director Tate, said:
‘Tate encourages creativity and this has reverberations in the creative industries as well as the fine arts. The digital space is one of the most dynamic and fast-changing areas of contemporary life, a place where new and innovative ideas can be developed. We believe that this is the right moment to establish a prize which recognises outstanding, creative achievement in the digital field.’
John Porter, from the Porter Foundation said:
‘The way in which audiences engage with culture is changing all the time, and my family are delighted to be supporting this prize which we hope will allow creative talent in the digital field to enhance how people experience art.’
Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia, said:
‘Widening access to art through the application of digital technology is a mission I share. I am delighted to be part of a jury that supports creative minds in this way.’
Entries can be made online at www.tate.org.uk/ikprize
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