Anna Mould wins inaugural Prudence MacLeod Prize

The National Art School (NAS) has announced multidisciplinary artist Anna Mould as the winner of the first-ever Prudence MacLeod Prize, a prestigious international residency program in partnership with Acme Studios, London.

This landmark prize, supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, offers emerging NAS graduates a six-month residency at Acme’s Fire Station studios in London. It includes studio space, accommodation, international flights, a stipend and comprehensive support from NAS and Acme.

Anna Mould, a 2024 Archibald Prize finalist, recently held her debut solo exhibition at Dominik Mersch Gallery and exhibited at Sydney Contemporary with Praxis Artspace, Adelaide. Her practice spans embroidery, painting, weaving and photography, and explores themes such as hierarchies of fine art and decorative art; the gendered associations of textile art; and the ways in which certain artforms have been used to express specific political ideas. Using a technique akin to collage, she creates visual and conceptual juxtapositions between historical and contemporary references.

Prudence MacLeod, Director of the Lansdowne Foundation, expressed her hopes for the program’s impact: “I’ve seen how transformational these opportunities can be, and I am delighted to extend my support to an Australian artist to come to the UK.”

Mould reflected on the opportunity. “The chance to live and work as a full-time artist in London will enable me to expand my career upwards and outwards in ways I’ve long aspired… This opportunity literally means the world.”

Simon Cooper, NAS Interim CEO, hailed the prize as “the most significant residency prize offered by the National Art School,” praising Mould’s potential and dedication.

The residency runs from February to July 2025.