London-based artist Nnena Kalu (b. 1966) won the Turner Prize 2025 at a ceremony in Bradford on December 9, becoming the first artist with a learning disability to receive the prestigious award since its inception in 1984. Kalu’s practice spans sculpture, installation, and works on paper, featuring cocoon-like hanging sculptures made from unconventional materials like masking tape and VHS ribbon, as well as large-scale drawings of spiraling vortexes. She was selected from a shortlist that included Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami, and Zadie Xa, and was recognized for her presentation in the group exhibition “Conversations” at the Walker Art Gallery and her work at Manifesta 15 in Barcelona. The prize includes a £25,000 award.
This win matters because it marks a historic milestone for disability representation in the contemporary art world, challenging long-standing barriers for neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists. Kalu’s victory, supported by her residency at ActionSpace in London, highlights the importance of inclusive art practices and the role of organizations that empower artists with complex support needs. The jury praised her “bold and compelling work” and her translation of expressive gesture into abstract sculpture and drawing, signaling a broader shift toward recognizing diverse artistic voices in major institutions like Tate Britain.