Press Releases

The two selectors are: Deepak Ananth, a Paris-based Indian art historian and curator of modern and contemporary art and the Brazilian curator, critic and writer Ivo Mesquita - a leading figure in the Latin American visual art world.

Over the past few months the two selectors have visited a wide range of countries, including the Middle East and Asia, looking at the work of artists who have achieved recognition in their own country and are emerging internationally.

The members of the second Artes Mundi Prize judging panel are: Paolo Colombo, Curator of MAXXI Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI Secolo, Rome; Jenni Spencer-Davies, Curator, Glynn Vivian Gallery, Swansea; Thelma Golden, Deputy Director for Exhibitions and Programs and Chief Curator at The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and Gerardo Mosquera, Curator for the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, who has been appointed as Chair.

Tessa Jackson, Artistic Director of the Artes Mundi Prize said:

"Artes Mundi is delighted to be working with some of the world's most significant curators and activators in the contemporary visual arts. Their contribution to this initiative, which celebrates how artists today comment on their society and on humanity, raises its ability to communicate across geographic and linguistic boundaries. In turn their involvement broadens the international profile of the visual arts in Wales."

Alun Pugh AM, Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport said:

"The Welsh Assembly Government is pleased to support the second Artes Mundi Prize following the hugely successful inaugural prize in 2004. Artes Mundi is a prestigious, exciting prize that provides a unique opportunity to engage with artists from around the world and raise the profile of Wales internationally."

The Artes Mundi Prize exhibition runs exclusively at the National Museum & Gallery, Cardiff, Wales, from 11 February to 7 May 2006. The prize of £40,000 will be announced at an award ceremony on Friday, 31 March 2006. The Chinese artist Xu Bing was the recipient of the first Artes Mundi Prize in 2004.

For further information please contact:

Julie Richards, PR & Communications Manager
Artes Mundi Wales International Visual Art Prize
Direct line: 44 (0)29 2072 3562
Mobile: 07876 476695
E-mail: julierichards@artesmundi.org

Notes to editors

The Artes Mundi Prize has been established to celebrate visual culture within a global context. It showcases artists who have achieved recognition in their own country and are emerging internationally. The emphasis is on those who are working with ideas of human form or condition, and producing art that adds to our understanding of humanity.

The Artes Mundi Prize is supported by:

Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Council, The Arts Council of Wales, National Museums & Galleries of Wales, BBC Wales, BT, The Derek Williams Trust, Wales Arts International, Wales Tourist Board, Wales Development Agency & the Western Mail

Selectors

Deepak Ananth

Ananth has curated many highly acclaimed exhibitions including