THE 2023 JUDGING PANEL
‘It is always a privilege to be a judge for the Linbury Prize, to see the amazing range of work from design schools across the country. It is exciting to
see the journey of our designers, the huge diversity of backgrounds and experiences they bring to their work.
‘In the current climate, being able to provide these opportunities for bursaries with established designers and with theatre companies for our 12 recipients is vital for the development of the future of design.
‘We had 139 applicants, and it was a difficult task to select our final 12. There are many wonderful designers who we weren’t able to celebrate but have given feedback to all applicants and additional mentoring where possible. The Prize is committed to supporting and celebrating as many of the next
generation as possible.’
Tom Piper, Designer
‘The Linbury Prize has always been seen as a stamp of recognition. More recently the award has expanded to include creatives whose qualities both push and challenge perception of the role of design.
‘The Prize also gives much guidance and feedback to the next generation entering the industry. This is very exciting for us judges, and especially for someone like me, who did not follow a conventional route into the industry. With the support of the award and the Linbury Prize team,
it’s a great opportunity to grow from.’
Rajha Shakiry, Designer
Judges in conversation – Georgia Lowe, Tom Piper, Jean-Marc Puissant, and Rajha Shakiry
Roxana Silbert – Chair of the Linbury Prize committee
Paul Handley – Director of Production and Technical, National Theatre
Linbury Prize Recipients
‘I have absolutely loved being a judge for this year’s Prize. The quality of applications and talent has been astounding and to select the final 12 recipients has not been an easy task. Having been a Linbury Prize finalist myself, I understand and connect with the huge amount of work, effort and nerves that go into applying.
‘It is always reassuring to see and hear that storytelling is still so much at the heart of this industry and how passionately and vividly these stories can be told with visual design and all that this entails.
‘The 12 recipients are an exciting
and diverse group of artists, and I am extremely excited to see their incredible work exhibited at the National Theatre. This exhibition is always an amazing opportunity for the public to see the craft, care and commitment that goes into designing for performance.’
‘It is such an honour to be part of the judging panel for the 2023 Linbury Prize. Congratulations to each of this year’s 139 applicants; it is exciting
to discover your creative process, craft and commitment to storytelling (whether abstract or narrative), text and performance.
‘The diversity of talent and skills presented made for deeply inspiring discussions with my fellow judges – and tough decisions putting together a shortlist.
I can’t wait to see the work exhibited by the 12 prize recipients at the National Theatre and look forward to participating in future opportunities the Linbury Prize provides to its community.’
Jean-Marc Puissant, Designer
Georgia Lowe, Designer