article Artiq announces winner of 2025 <i>Creative Careers Prize</i>
Artiq announces winner of 2025 Creative Careers Prize
We are excited to announce that Rômulo Avi has been
awarded the Artiq Creative Careers Prize, presented
at the 10th edition of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
awarded the Artiq Creative Careers Prize, presented
at the 10th edition of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
We are excited to announce that Rômulo Avi has been
awarded the Artiq Creative Careers Prize, presented
at the 10th edition of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
A Boy Can Dream III (Orfeo), Oil on board, 30x25cm
Artiq is thrilled to announce Brazilian-born, London-based artist Rômulo Avi as the winner of the inaugural Creative Careers Prize, awarded at the 10th edition of the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair.
Enriched by a background in Architecture and Urbanism, Rômulo’s practice draws on Romantic traditions to explore archetypal and esoteric imagery. Stories, dreams, and imagined worlds guide his process, allowing each work to unfold through intuitive mark-making and the gradual, unpredictable accumulation of materials. His winning work, The Hermit (2025), was praised for its atmospheric depth and the way it invites viewers into a world that feels at once intimate and alive with symbolism.
As the winner, Rômulo will receive bespoke mentorship from Artiq’s expert team, aimed at accelerating his artistic career through strategic professional development, increased visibility, and tailored support over the coming year. The Creative Careers Prize reflects Artiq’s commitment to championing emerging artists and fostering a sustainable arts economy in which artists can thrive. The shortlist for this inaugural prize included a remarkable group of exhibiting artists: Bella Easton, Holly Drewett, Julia Colmenares, Luca Ortis and Tamsin Loxley, whose beautiful and diverse works made this year’s selection process exceptionally competitive.
Speaking on the award, Artiq’s selection committee highlighted Rômulo Avi’s “ability to create richly layered works that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant” and shared that they “look forward to supporting his artistic development over the next year, and hope to support him in building a professional foundation that matches the ambition and complexity of his creative vision.”
This prize marks an exciting new chapter for both Artiq and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, reinforcing their shared mission to expand opportunities for artists and makers. Keep an eye out for updates on Rômulo’s development over the coming year as he begins this new chapter with Artiq.
Enriched by a background in Architecture and Urbanism, Rômulo’s practice draws on Romantic traditions to explore archetypal and esoteric imagery. Stories, dreams, and imagined worlds guide his process, allowing each work to unfold through intuitive mark-making and the gradual, unpredictable accumulation of materials. His winning work, The Hermit (2025), was praised for its atmospheric depth and the way it invites viewers into a world that feels at once intimate and alive with symbolism.
As the winner, Rômulo will receive bespoke mentorship from Artiq’s expert team, aimed at accelerating his artistic career through strategic professional development, increased visibility, and tailored support over the coming year. The Creative Careers Prize reflects Artiq’s commitment to championing emerging artists and fostering a sustainable arts economy in which artists can thrive. The shortlist for this inaugural prize included a remarkable group of exhibiting artists: Bella Easton, Holly Drewett, Julia Colmenares, Luca Ortis and Tamsin Loxley, whose beautiful and diverse works made this year’s selection process exceptionally competitive.
Speaking on the award, Artiq’s selection committee highlighted Rômulo Avi’s “ability to create richly layered works that feel both deeply personal and universally resonant” and shared that they “look forward to supporting his artistic development over the next year, and hope to support him in building a professional foundation that matches the ambition and complexity of his creative vision.”
This prize marks an exciting new chapter for both Artiq and the Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, reinforcing their shared mission to expand opportunities for artists and makers. Keep an eye out for updates on Rômulo’s development over the coming year as he begins this new chapter with Artiq.
Photography by Kelly Foster
Tender Crossing, Oil on board, 160x120cm
Wild Child, Oil on board, 160x120cm