The Whitechapel Gallery hosted their annual gala for the 2022 Art Icon Award, supported by the Swarovski Foundation last night. The award celebrates the work of an artist that has had a profound impact upon contemporary art.

This year we were thrilled to honor the lifetime achievements of Tracey Emin in recognition of her pioneering work and wider social practice.

Accompanied by more than 150 artists, collectors and art world luminaries, Emin’s profound contribution to contemporary art was celebrated during an evening hosted by journalist and author Dylan Jones with Whitechapel Gallery Director Iwona Blazwick.

All proceeds raised on the evening went towards the Whitechapel Gallery's youth program which the Swarovski Foundation have supported since 2015 reaching over 4,000 young people through creative engagement opportunities.

We believe in the importance to address social and environmental inequities and that is why we are proud to support organisations like the Whitechapel Gallery that believe creative education and careers should be free and accessible to all especially for marginalised communities.

“The Swarovski Foundation is delighted to continue its support of the Whitechapel Gallery and the Art Icon award, which this year goes to Tracey Emin, a pioneering artist who has made an indelible impact on our cultural life. She has explored the most intimate aspects of femininity not previously the subject of art. Today Emin’s work remains brave, provocative, urgent and vivid – and we are thrilled to honour her as a brilliant Art Icon for 2022.” - Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Swarovski Foundation Director