The HIX Award is an open, free to enter competition that offers full and part time students and graduates (of two years) a chance to show their work in a contemporary space in the heart of Shoreditch. This takes place in the same venue that displays a permanent collection of work by some of Britain’s leading artists including Damien Hirst, Gary Webb, Henry Hudson and Jake and Dinos Chapman.

Entries to this year’s HIX Award will be judged by Mark Hix, Tracey Emin, Ivan Massow, Gemma de Cruz (Saatchi Art & Music), Charlie Phillips, Edward Lucie-Smith, Stephen Webster, Steve Edge, Brian Boylan, Rob and Nick Carter, Chris Neil, Mark Inglefield and Miranda Donovan with the winner being presented with an award designed by Damien Hirst.

Having scouted the finest degree shows in the country this year, we have invited a selection of talented emerging artists across Britain to enter the competition.

The winner of the HIX Award 2014 will be given the opportunity to exhibit their work in a group exhibition with the runners-up at Cock ‘n’ Bull Gallery throughout August. They will receive £500 worth of vouchers to be used in any of Mark Hix’s restaurants as well as one night’s stay in The HIX Townhouse in Lyme Regis.

Following on from last year’s success, a number of exhibitors have gained commissions and exhibited internationally, thus confirming the value such an award can add to an artists career. Last year’s winner Nicholas Permain has continued to create fantastic work in his final year at university.

Cock ‘n’ Bull Gallery values the platform it gives to up and coming artists. The judges this year will be looking for something that challenges their perceptions and displays creative originality.