Choice

As a rule art prizes and awards not known for their flexibility. You win, you accept your cheque and some praise, and get back to the studio. So it is good to see a case where an award is tailored to fit the artist.

One element of the Walters Prize is the chance to go to New York and exhibit at Saatchi & Saatchi HQ. NZ to NY being a long way the opportunity to fly free and have some all-expenses-paid time there is usually grabbed with both hands.

But Francis Upritchard who lives closer to NY, across the ditch in the UK, had another idea. She suggested putting the flying and accommodation funds into a book she could take with her to Venice. And they did.

You can order a copy here