Paula MacArthur (b. 1967) is a painter based in Rye, East Sussex. Alongside her painting practice, Paula is a Tutor, Mentor and Curator. She is a Programme Tutor on the BA Painting course at OCA and a mentor for the Turps Hastings Offsite Programme.
Paula has been a member of the artist-led group Contemporary British Painting since 2016, holding the post of Chair from 2019-2023. In 2019, she led the process of adopting a constitution and since then has coordinated the Contemporary British Painting Prize, leading a small team to organise and develop the offer. At its heart the prize is a celebration of contemporary painting, in its broadest sense, in the UK created by painters, for painters. The prize now attracts entries from over 1000 artists and in 2024 will be announced in Cardiff and tour to London and Huddersfield.
Throughout her career Paula has proactively brought groups of artists together. From early student-led shows in the early 90s to her ongoing PaintLounge curatorial project which began in 2017, Paula understands the value of DIY artist-led projects and working collectively. PaintLounge is a series of exhibitions and conversations on current themes in contemporary painting.
