Overview
- Kalu, 59, received £25,000, with runners-up Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa awarded £10,000 each.
- The award recognized Hanging Sculpture 1–10 at Manifesta 15 in Barcelona and her Drawing 21 shown in the Walker Art Gallery’s Conversations.
- The ceremony was held at Bradford Grammar School as part of the city’s UK City of Culture year, and the Cartwright Hall exhibition runs through 22 February 2026.
- She is the first learning-disabled artist to win the prize and has worked with London nonprofit ActionSpace since 1999, using materials such as VHS tape, fabric and rope.
- Critical response was divided, with supporters hailing the milestone for learning-disabled artists and some reviewers contending that Sami’s paintings were stronger.