The 2023 Judges

Maev is a highly respected journalist who writes on the arts, archaeology, and heritage.

Hers is a long and varied career in journalism and has included stints at The Irish Times and the Guardian.

She was, for many years, the Guardian's foremost arts and heritage correspondent, and now writes regularly for The Art Newspaper.

Her articles have been published worldwide by CNN, Business Insider, Yahoo News UK, Yahoo, Gulf News, RawStory, Yahoo Style Canada, Mail, RealClear Science, The Arts Desk, Book Business, and RealClear History.

Maev is the author of the Hamlyn History of Archaeology, and The Bones of a King: Richard III Rediscovered. Over the years she has broadcasted for the BBC, regularly presenting the Open Book programme on BBC Radio 4, and contributed to the Saturday Review programme. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

We are delighted to have Maev on board as a Judge, she brings a wealth of experience from the world of arts journalism and is well known for nurturing and supporting contemporary arts establishments such as ours here at Sussex Contemporary.

Mark Hearld is a prolific contemporary artist who takes inspiration from the natural world, particularly British flora, and fauna.

He studied illustration at the Glasgow School of Art and an MA in Natural History Illustration at the Royal College of Art. Mark lives and works from his home in York.

In 2015 as part of a major refurbishment of York Art Gallery, Mark was commissioned to curate one of the new galleries, it proved so popular that ‘The Lumber Room’ remained open for 2 years. In 2018 Mark curated the rehang of the British Folk Collection at Compton Verney.

Mark has completed commissions for Faber Books and Tate Museums.

In Autumn 2012 Merrell Books published Mark Hearld's Work Book - the first book devoted to Mark's work. And in 2022 St Judes published Mark's most recent book, Raucous Invention - The Joy of Making.

We are especially delighted to have Mark join us as a Judge, he has a deep understanding of the natural world and creativity and is Jo's favourite artist.

Alex is the editor of ROSA magazine. ROSA, (Review of Sussex Arts) is a quarterly print and digital magazine that covers arts across the whole of Sussex, from Chichester to Rye.

Recently appointed as the Chair of the Critics’ Circle Art & Architecture as well as being the online editor for British Art Fair Alex is fully invested in all things Sussex Art.

Alex Leith brings three decades of experience in the arts with him to our panel of judges.

Well known for being the founding editor of VIVA Lewes & VIVA Brighton Alex is incredibly well connected and versed in all things Sussex. Alex has published articles with publications such as The Guardian, The Independent, Stuff & Esquire.

We are chuffed to bits to have Alex join our judges panel and know that his keen eye will help create a brilliant exhibition.