The Sovereign Asian Art Prize was launched in 2003 to increase the international exposure of artists in the region, whilst raising funds for programmes that support disadvantaged children using expressive arts. Held annually, The Prize is now recognised as the most established and prestigious annual art award in Asia-Pacific.

The Prize invites mid-career contemporary artists, nominated by a board of independent art professionals, to each enter up to three artworks online. A judging panel comprised of world-class art experts shortlist the 30 best artworks from a range of digital images. The shortlisted artworks are then exhibited in Hong Kong, where they are judged for a second time and voted on by the public.

The Grand Prize Winner receives US$30,000, while the winner of the Public Vote Prize receives US$1,000. The shortlisted artworks, except for The Grand Prize-winning entry, are sold and proceeds are split evenly between the artists and the charity. Artists receive the same split as they would through a gallery, and the artworks often fetch higher prices thanks to generous bidding from charity patrons. The Prize acts as a springboard, enabling many artists to achieve record prices and wider audiences for their work.

Mamali Shafahi, Iranian artist, is among the 30 finalist artists of the event who come from 17 countries around the world.

From Iran, Maryam Kohestani, a sculptor and multimedia artist, as well as the Pejman Foundation, who participated in the event with works by Mamali Shafahi.

The finalists’ artworks will be presented to the public from 5 – 16 May 2021. The artworks will then be exhibited at Art Central at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20 – 23 May 2021.

The public are invited to vote for their favourite artwork, the most popular of which will receive the Public Vote Prize. To vote, click on the artworks below: 

https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/art-prizes/2021-edition/.