The Women in Art Prize CIC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to championing emerging women artists. Formerly known as The Holly Bush Painting Prize, it was founded by Sue Ecclestone to recognise and promote women’s artistic talent. In 2023, leadership of the initiative was passed to Managing Director Gabrielle du Plooy. Through the annual Women in Art Prize, exhibitions, and community initiatives, the organisation supports women artists from diverse backgrounds by increasing visibility and access to opportunities such as exhibitions, residencies, and monetary awards. Committed to inclusivity and gender equity, the Women in Art Prize CIC works to celebrate women’s contributions to the art world and inspire future generations.
Art on a Postcard plays a key role in raising funds and awareness for The Hepatitis C Trust. What makes you want to help fundraise for the charity?
We wanted to guest curate this year’s International Women’s Day Auction because supporting women in the arts is at the core of our mission. As a Community Interest Company, Women in Art Prize CIC is dedicated to elevating women artists and providing them with meaningful opportunities for visibility, exhibition, and career development. Each year, we open submissions for the Women in Art Prize on 8 March—International Women’s Day—as a symbolic reminder of our commitment to championing women’s voices and creative expression.
We have great admiration for the work Art on a Postcard does, in raising awareness and providing vital support for women affected by the criminal justice system, who often experience multiple layers of marginalisation. Art on a Postcard has helped hundreds of women affected by hepatitis C by raising awareness, tackling stigma, encouraging testing, and supporting women throughout their treatment journeys.
This auction marks our third edition together, and we are genuinely proud to be part of this collaboration. It is always heartwarming to see the enthusiasm among our community; some of the WIAP 2025 finalists have already been asking when they can submit their work for the Art on a Postcard auction, which truly makes our hearts sing.
We hope to continue supporting and amplifying this partnership for many years to come.
What do you hope people take away from the International Women’s Day Auction?
Last year’s auction was a real success. On the opening day, it was wonderful to see so many artists and collectors come together. We had the chance to reconnect with WIAP finalists from previous years, learn about the incredible work they’ve continued to produce, and meet new curators with whom we exchanged ideas and perspectives. Moments like these remind us how powerful community can be, coming together always feels like an act of resilience.
What we hope people take away from the International Women’s Day Auction is exactly that: a sense of connection, solidarity, and shared purpose. March carries a special energy for us, it’s a time when we collectively reflect on the achievements of women, acknowledge ongoing challenges, and celebrate creativity as a force for change. We want visitors, bidders, artists, and supporters to leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the impact art can have when it is supported, seen, and championed.
Do you think this auction format supports/impacts emerging artists?
We absolutely do. This auction format offers emerging artists something incredibly valuable: visibility, connection, and validation. For many artists at early stages of their careers, having their work seen by collectors, curators, and a wider audience can be transformative. It places them in a professional context where their voices and creative perspectives are not only acknowledged but celebrated.
What makes the Art on a Postcard auction format especially impactful is its accessibility. The small scale removes barriers, artists can participate without the pressures of large-scale production, and collectors can engage with new talent in a way that feels approachable and exciting. This creates a dynamic space where emerging artists stand side by side with more established names, allowing their work to shine on equal footing.
So yes, we truly believe this format supports emerging artists in a meaningful way. It not only gives them visibility, but also a sense of belonging within a wider creative community that values their contribution.
