The Robson Orr TenTen Award

Ten years, ten prints. Every year, an outstanding British artist creates a print for the Government Art Collection, with the support of philanthropists Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr.

an artist sitting down with his work of art on the wall behind

Yinka Shonibare CBE with his screenprint The Hibiscus and the Rose.

// What is the Robson Orr TenTen Award?

The Robson Orr TenTen Award is a ten-year project that brings exciting new artwork to government buildings around the world. Each year, a renowned British artist is chosen to create a unique print for the Government Art Collection. Fifteen enter the Collection and a limited number of these prints are sold every year to raise funds to acquire works of art and support more UK artists to join the Government Art Collection.

// How does it work?

The project runs for ten years, from 2018 to 2027. Each year, one British artist is selected, approved by the Advisory Committee, and commissioned to make a special, limited-edition print. These prints are displayed in UK government buildings worldwide.

// Why is it important?

The Robson Orr TenTen project showcases the best of British art to a global audience. At the same time, eleven prints are sold to raise money for the Government Art Collection to support UK-based artists through purchasing their art.

Artists who have taken part in the project so far are Hurvin Anderson, Tacita Dean, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Lubaina Himid, Rachel Whiteread DBE and Michael Armitage.

// Want to own a TenTen print?

If you’re interested in buying one of these limited-edition prints and supporting British art, please get in touch.

// How did it all begin?

Matthew Orr and Sybil Robson Orr unveil Michael Armitage’s Ngaben at 10 Downing Street. Photo: David Parry/PA Wire

The Robson Orr TenTen Award began in 2018. Philanthropists Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr took inspiration from an initiative by the Foundation for Arts and Preservation in Embassies; through the Foundation, some of America’s most celebrated artists have created prints for display in U.S. embassies.

The ten-year project was originally conceived through a collaboration between the Government Art Collection and Outset Contemporary Art Fund.

Over the years the project has generated funding for artworks by over thirty artists (see below) who were underrepresented in the Collection to join the Government Art Collection. The project has grown to include a schools programme, allowing Collection staff to take the TenTen prints into schools and engage students with real-life artworks.