Reuben Murray Wins Inaugural Cass Art Prize Celebrating British Talent

Posted on by Aisha Khan
2 min read

Reuben Murray won the first Cass Art Prize for his portrait ‘Ada’, illustrating the strength of Jamaican Maroons. The prize celebrates British artistic diversity, with awards across multiple categories. The ceremony was held on 14 November at Copeland Gallery, showcasing emerging talents and community-focused narratives in art.

British artist Reuben Murray has been awarded the inaugural Cass Art Prize, created by the notable art supply retailer Cass Art, which boasts over 120 years of supporting artists. The 2024 shortlist showcased a diverse range of contemporary British art with nominees from the UK and the Republic of Ireland exhibited at Copeland Gallery in London. Murray’s winning artwork, titled ‘Ada’, portrays the story of Jamaican Maroons and encapsulates themes of strength and heritage, earning him a £10,000 cash prize and a feature at Saatchi Art’s The Other Art Fair in 2025. Other notable awards included Yuhong Wang winning the Cass Group Staff Award, Giuseppe Iozzi receiving the Art Educators Award, and Lexia Hachtmann being recognised as the Students Award winner. The event celebrated the connection between art and community, showcasing the contributions of emerging artists and their significant narratives.

The Cass Art Prize was introduced to celebrate and support artists while continuing the Cass family’s legacy in art patronage. The 2024 prize aimed to shine a spotlight on the rich diversity of practices within the British art scene, providing established and emerging artists with a platform to exhibit their work. This initiative also serves to inspire future participation amongst artists by giving them a chance to showcase their creativity and cultural stories.

The inaugural Cass Art Prize successfully highlighted the rich diversity of artistry in Britain, with Reuben Murray’s poignant portrait ‘Ada’ standing out as a testament to cultural heritage and resilience. The event underscores the continuing impact of the Cass family in the art community, fostering artistic dialogues and showcasing remarkable talents across various media.

Original Source: www.londondaily.news