The 2025/26 edition of the Dubel Prize, founded by Damian Alexander Dubel, culminated in a remarkable final held at the beautiful 194 Piccadilly. Set against one of London’s most prestigious cultural backdrops, the evening brought together artists, collectors, patrons, and change makers to celebrate the next wave of contemporary artistic talent.
Over the course of 2025, the Prize unfolded through a curated programme of events across the capital, building momentum toward a finale that was as intellectually engaging as it was visually striking. The works of nine exceptional finalists were exhibited throughout the venue, offering guests an intimate encounter with practices that spanned material experimentation, philosophical inquiry, and socially engaged themes.
A Platform for Dialogue
A defining feature of the Dubel Prize is its commitment to conversation. Each finalist took part in a live Q&A, sharing insights into their creative processes, influences, and long-term ambitions. Rather than positioning art as something distant or opaque, the evening fostered transparency and exchange, bridging the gap between artist and audience.
The night was hosted by London-based presenter and music curator Moresha Ibele, whose energy and clarity guided the programme seamlessly. A powerful address from Richard Utting of Centrepoint reinforced the Prize’s partnership with the charity and its ongoing commitment to raising awareness around youth homelessness. The message was clear: creativity and social responsibility can and should move forward together.
The Judging Process
Leading up to the final, the judging panel dedicated weeks to a thorough and considered evaluation process. The panel included Founder & Chair Damian Alexander Dubel; LCP/Private Office Founder and The Other House founder Naomi Heaton; Planet Organic founder Renée Elliott; ArtReview publisher Carsten Recksik; and award-winning pianist and composer OKIEM.
Their assessment extended beyond the works presented on the night. The judges reviewed interviews, examined broader bodies of work, considered exhibition histories, and reflected on each artist’s conceptual depth and long-term potential. The result was a decision grounded in rigour, vision, and a shared belief in art’s power to shape cultural discourse.
Announcing the 2025/26 Winner
The evening reached its defining moment when Damian Alexander Dubel returned to the stage to announce this year’s recipient: Ellie Damant.
Known professionally as Ellie D, Damant is a British figurative painter whose work interrogates themes of identity, commodification, and the economic structures that shape contemporary life. Educated at the Ruskin School of Art, she holds both a BFA and MA from University of Oxford, where she studied on scholarship. She also completed an MA in Philosophy specialising in aesthetics and painting.
Her practice sits at the intersection of art and philosophy, positioning painting as a site of inquiry—one that questions how value, meaning, and human identity are constructed within modern systems. In awarding Damant the Prize, the judges recognised a practice that is both technically accomplished and intellectually resonant.
A Growing Cultural Movement
The Dubel Prize continues to evolve beyond a single award. It has become a platform for emerging and mid-career artists to gain visibility, foster meaningful connections, and engage with audiences outside traditional gallery structures.
The 2025/26 finalists demonstrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary practice in Britain today. Their work, distinct in voice yet united by ambition, signals a confident and compelling future for the arts.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 programme, one thing remains certain: the Dubel Prize stands as a dynamic force within London’s cultural landscape, championing bold ideas, new perspectives, and art that truly matters.