Concord Music Publishing Announces Inaugural Concord Art Prize 2021

Finalist Olly Fathers’ playful sculptural response to Newley & Bricusse’s Pure Imagination.

The ten finalists have received a £1000 bursary to create their final pieces, which will be exhibited at 180 Strand this September where the winner will be announced. A selection of these final pieces is now complete, including work by Anna Kerman, Sam Tahmessabi, Jacob Love, Angela Fung and Olly Fathers. 

This major new art prize encourages visuals inspired by music. Over 600 submissions were received from artists aged 18-72, responding to a selection of songs from Concord Music Publishing’s expansive catalogue.  

The illustrious panel of judges, including world renowned British artist Mat Collishaw, representatives from the Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins and Hiscox, alongside  Julie Lomax (CEO of a-n The Artists Information Company), Robert Yates of The Observer, and songwriters Mark Ronson and Joan Armatrading, have deliberated and selected the 10  finalists who will exhibit their final piece in London this September, in a show curated by Ali Hillman of Friday Trampoline. 

Finalist Nina Miranda’s work responding to Joan Armatrading’s Love & Affection.

The opening event will host the artists, organisers, press and the judging panel with champagne provided by our partner Taittinger Champagne to toast the winner who will receive a £10,000 prize. Shaped By Iris will facilitate the enjoyment of art and music as one, through their innovative approach to sound technology which avoids sound compression.  

Pamela Golden, Royal College of Art comments: “The submissions showed an extraordinary wealth of visual voices presenting a wide range of possibilities of imagining each of the songs”. 

Julie Lomax, CEO of a-n The Artists Information Company reflects: “It has been an honour and a privilege to judge the Concord Art Prize, from listening to the songs, some familiar, others marking key moments in my life, and some new to me, and then looking at all the artists responses, bringing new perspectives from the wild and playful, to formal and abstract. Only Concord Music Publishing could bring together artists in celebration of music as diverse as Steve Reich and Krept and Konan, it promises to be an exciting exhibition and showcase of new talent”. 

Sara Lord, SVP international sync and project development at Concord Music Publishing comments: “It’s been a total joy to have seen the submissions flood in over the last few months  and to read the stories of how these 10 pieces OF MUSIC from the Concord Music Publishing catalogue have moved people to create beautiful works of art. I found the judging process fascinating to listen to the experts from the art world enjoy such lively debate over what was ‘the best’. We are really excited to see the 10 works finished and think we have the makings of an incredible exhibition exploring music and art’s never-ending relationship”. 

Singer Joan Armatrading, whose song Love & Affection features, and was on the judging panel added: “During the judging there were some very interesting works, and it was  fascinating to see different people's interpretation of the same piece of music”. 

Curator Ali Hillman concludes: “It is a privilege to benefit from the expert knowledge assembled in this judging panel. Part of the prize’s attraction is the opportunity to have your work assessed by leading academics and contemporary art figures. We are so excited to reveal the findings of our dedicated team and look forward to sharing the winning works” 

Emily Reay, Taittinger brand manager comments: Champagne Taittinger is delighted to partner with the inaugural Concord Art Prize. Supporting the arts and independent thinking has always been very important to the Taittinger family. We very much look forward to raising a glass to the talented artists and the work they have done bringing two mediums together for  this innovative prize.” 

Jacobi Anstruther from Shaped By IRIS comments on their collaboration with Concord: “IRIS has partnered with Concord Music Publishing to support them in creating audio experiences that champions artists, elevates voices and impacts culture through cutting edge audio  technology that creates vastly improved listening experiences, greater clarity and enjoyment” 

The Judges:

• Alexander Schady, Central Saint Martins
• Ali Hillman, Friday Trampoline
• Joan Armatrading, Songwriter
• Julie Lomax, Artists Information Company
• Mark Ronson, songwriter/PRODUCER
• Mat Collishaw, Artist
• Pamela Golden, Royal College of Art
• Robert Yates, The Observer
• Sara Lord, Concord Music Publishing
• Whitney Hintz, Hiscox

The Artists:

• Angela Fung
• Anna Kerman
• Becky Hoghton
• Deborah Hobson
• Jacob Love
• Michal Raz
• Olivia Martin Snowsill
• Olly Fathers
• Sam Tahmassebi