John Moores Painting Prize 2025

6 Sep 2025-1 Mar 2026

Overview

Supporting artists from all over the UK – whether they’re undiscovered, emerging or established in their careers – the Prize provides a platform for artists to inspire, disrupt and challenge the British painting scene today. Showcasing the very latest in painting across the UK, the competition culminates in a major exhibition every two years in Liverpool. 

First held in 1957, the competition was named after its founding sponsor Sir John Moores. The prize is open to all artists working with paint, who are aged 18 years or over and live or are professionally based in the UK. 

Past prizewinners have included Peter Doig, Rose Wylie, David Hockney, Mary Martin and Sir Peter Blake, who became the first patron of the John Moores Painting Prize in 2011, after winning the Junior section of John Moores 3 with his painting ‘Self Portrait with Badges’ in 1961. 

The winner of the Prize is also awarded a solo exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery the following year. The 2023 Prizewinner was Graham Crowley with his painting ‘Light Industry’. His subsequent exhibition – Graham Crowley: I paint shadows – is on display at the Walker until 13 July 2025.

Jury
Louise Giovanelli
Gemma Rolls-Bentley
Michael Simpson
Dr. Zoé Whitley
Zhang Enli

First Prize Winner
Ally Fallon

Lady Grantchester Prize Winner
David Caines

Shortlisted for First Prize
Davina Jackson
Katy Shepherd
Miranda Webster
Joanna Whittle