A STUDENT from Manchester school of Art has won a £20,000 national art prize.
Rebecca Halliwell-Sutton was announced as the winner of the Woon Foundation Art and Sculpture Prize.
Now in its fourth year, the prize offers the winner a 12-month studio space at BALTIC 39 in the centre of Newcastle, alongside a cash prize of £20,000.
Rebecca told her local newspaper, The Chronicle in Newcastle: “I am so completely shocked to win the Woon Prize.
“I’ve absolutely loved my final year at university making work and I feel like I’ve gathered momentum throughout the year.
“This prize has now given me so much freedom to fully pursue a creative path and become immersed in my art practice.”
Another Manchester School of Art student, Bex Ilsley, took third place and a £6,000 prize.
She said: “I am delighted. I cannot thank the Woon Foundation, the judging panel and the staff at BALTIC 39 enough for the support and recognition.
“It will be a massive help for me financially and will allow me to continue my practice after graduation, which was something I was worried about managing. I can now take a few months to get working and to devote more time and resources to my career as an artist.”
