ING Discerning Eye: New Platforms

ING Discerning Eye: New Platforms

The way we consume culture has transformed within recent months, with a shift to online viewing making the arts more accessible than before. Leading the way is the annual ING Discerning Eye, an exhibition of small works renowned for championing emerging artists. It is now calling for entries for a brand-new online edition in 2020, giving creatives the opportunity to showcase their work in an exclusive virtual gallery. It also offers a range of awards – including the ING Purchase Prize worth £5,000 and regional accolades. ING Discerning Eye is looking for works across a variety of media, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photographs and films.


The show, which has highlighted more than 10,000 pieces over the years, is renowned for its unique curatorial approach. A panel of six prominent art world figures – two artists, two collectors and two critics – select work for the yearly exhibition. New talents from the open call are shown alongside established names, invited by the selectors. This year’s line-up includes internationally renowned artists Dale Lewis and David Remfry RA; collectors Beverley Knight MBE and Mervyn Metcalf; and critics Jo Baring and Tabish Khan, visual arts editor for Londonist. This wealth of perspectives results in the curation of six smaller galleries within the whole.

The prize, which has been supported by ING for over 20 years, is committed to helping artists increase their visibility. In previous years, participants have gone on to further success – such as the Royal Academy Summer exhibition, solo presentations and publication in international magazines. The digital gallery will double up as space for viewers to buy the work directly, giving creatives a platform through which to grow. With the show running until Christmas (18 November – 31 December), and all works being available for sale, the ING Discerning Eye 2020 will allow participants to reach new audiences and connect them with collectors around the world.


Submit your work by 1 October 2020, 17:00. Entrants can submit up to six works across a variety of media: paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photographs and films are all accepted. Works must be for sale and must not exceed 50cm (20”) in any dimension.

Find out more and enter online here.


Lead image: Behzad Sharouz, Crossing.
1. Lisa Robinson Abstract Interior.
2. Helena Cardow, Abstraction is above you.
3. Andrew Jenkin, Quintessence.
4. Paul Bonomini, Hive 1.