What is the WHISPERer Prize?
The WHISPERer Prize is a curatorial distinction awarded to selected works presented within WHISPERer, the exhibition produced by SPIRA9, Indra Gallery and London Craft Week 2026.
The Prize recognises outstanding artistic and design practices that demonstrate exceptional engagement with material, craft processes, and interdisciplinary approaches to making.
Who is eligible?
Artists participating in WHISPERer are eligible for consideration.
The Prize is determined through curatorial evaluation; no separate application is required unless otherwise specified.
What criteria are used in the selection process?
Works are evaluated based on:
• Conceptual depth
• Sensitivity to material and craft process
• Innovation in structure, repetition, or making methodologies
• Artistic execution and presentation
• Relevance within contemporary craft and design discourse
What awards are conferred?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented across the following distinctions:
WHISPERer Curator’s Choice Award
Recognising a work of outstanding curatorial significance.
Material Intelligence Award
Honouring exceptional sensitivity and innovation in the use of materials.
Critics’ Choice Award
Selected by invited art and design critics.
Audience Resonance Award
Determined through audience engagement during the exhibition.
Each distinction highlights a different dimension of excellence in contemporary craft practice.
What do award recipients receive?
Selected award-winning works receive:
• Official recognition
• Dedicated curatorial feature across SPIRA9 platforms
• Professional media exposure through exhibition publications and press outreach
• Extended promotional support within SPIRA9’s artist network and collector channels
Outstanding works may also receive further critical reviews and future exhibition opportunities.
Is the WHISPERer Prize an annual award?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented in conjunction with the WHISPERer exhibition during London Craft Week.
Each edition reflects the curatorial theme of the exhibition while continuing SPIRA9’s commitment to recognising innovation and excellence in contemporary craft and material-based practices.
Q&A
Q&A
What is the WHISPERer Prize?
The WHISPERer Prize is a curatorial distinction awarded to selected works presented within WHISPERer, the exhibition produced by SPIRA9, Indra Gallery and London Craft Week 2026.
The Prize recognises outstanding artistic and design practices that demonstrate exceptional engagement with material, craft processes, and interdisciplinary approaches to making.
Who is eligible?
Artists participating in WHISPERer are eligible for consideration.
The Prize is determined through curatorial evaluation; no separate application is required unless otherwise specified.
What criteria are used in the selection process?
Works are evaluated based on:
• Conceptual depth
• Sensitivity to material and craft process
• Innovation in structure, repetition, or making methodologies
• Artistic execution and presentation
• Relevance within contemporary craft and design discourse
What awards are conferred?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented across the following distinctions:
WHISPERer Curator’s Choice Award
Recognising a work of outstanding curatorial significance.
Material Intelligence Award
Honouring exceptional sensitivity and innovation in the use of materials.
Critics’ Choice Award
Selected by invited art and design critics.
Audience Resonance Award
Determined through audience engagement during the exhibition.
Each distinction highlights a different dimension of excellence in contemporary craft practice.
What do award recipients receive?
Selected award-winning works receive:
• Official recognition
• Dedicated curatorial feature across SPIRA9 platforms
• Professional media exposure through exhibition publications and press outreach
• Extended promotional support within SPIRA9’s artist network and collector channels
Outstanding works may also receive further critical reviews and future exhibition opportunities.
Is the WHISPERer Prize an annual award?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented in conjunction with the WHISPERer exhibition during London Craft Week.
Each edition reflects the curatorial theme of the exhibition while continuing SPIRA9’s commitment to recognising innovation and excellence in contemporary craft and material-based practices.
What is the WHISPERer Prize?
The WHISPERer Prize is a curatorial distinction awarded to selected works presented within WHISPERer, the exhibition produced by SPIRA9, Indra Gallery and London Craft Week 2026.
The Prize recognises outstanding artistic and design practices that demonstrate exceptional engagement with material, craft processes, and interdisciplinary approaches to making.
Who is eligible?
Artists participating in WHISPERer are eligible for consideration.
The Prize is determined through curatorial evaluation; no separate application is required unless otherwise specified.
What criteria are used in the selection process?
Works are evaluated based on:
• Conceptual depth
• Sensitivity to material and craft process
• Innovation in structure, repetition, or making methodologies
• Artistic execution and presentation
• Relevance within contemporary craft and design discourse
What awards are conferred?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented across the following distinctions:
WHISPERer Curator’s Choice Award
Recognising a work of outstanding curatorial significance.
Material Intelligence Award
Honouring exceptional sensitivity and innovation in the use of materials.
Critics’ Choice Award
Selected by invited art and design critics.
Audience Resonance Award
Determined through audience engagement during the exhibition.
Each distinction highlights a different dimension of excellence in contemporary craft practice.
What do award recipients receive?
Selected award-winning works receive:
• Official recognition
• Dedicated curatorial feature across SPIRA9 platforms
• Professional media exposure through exhibition publications and press outreach
• Extended promotional support within SPIRA9’s artist network and collector channels
Outstanding works may also receive further critical reviews and future exhibition opportunities.
Is the WHISPERer Prize an annual award?
The WHISPERer Prize is presented in conjunction with the WHISPERer exhibition during London Craft Week.
Each edition reflects the curatorial theme of the exhibition while continuing SPIRA9’s commitment to recognising innovation and excellence in contemporary craft and material-based practices.