History of the Prize

The VNY Fine Art Awards was initiated in 2003 by Valentine New York, the production and art marketing firm formed in 1991 by collector and entrepreneur Michael Valentine specifically interested in encouraging the promotion and collection of contemporary artist of color art. Their original statement concerning the prize was: 'The$16,000 prize is awarded to 10 artist who, in the opinion of the Jury, has made the greatest contribution to art in worldwide in the previous 12 months. In 2003, the company Valentine New York & Valentine New York The Magazine became sponsors of the prize, and on 29th January 2004 a statement about the prize will be issued: The $10,000 prize will be warded to 11 artist of color for an outstanding contribution to art in Worldwide.