Mark Tanner Sculpture Award (MTSA) Applications 2023-24

Mark Tanner Sculpture Award 2023-24

Applications now closed.

For reference only

The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award is the most significant award for emerging artists working in the field of sculpture in the UK. We seek to reward outstanding and innovative practice in the field of sculpture and are particularly interested in work that demonstrates a commitment to process and materials.

The award offers £10,000 in financial support towards the production of new work, plus a funded solo exhibition, to an exceptional sculptor. The award also includes a national touring programme, taking MTSA artists to partner venues across the UK.

There is no age limit, applicants will be judged on the quality of their work and the ability of the award to make beneficial impact on their practice and future development.

The financial award to assist in the production of a new body of work is £10,000, made in three payments over the course of the year, at the end of which there will be a solo exhibition at Standpoint Gallery. Standpoint will maintain a supportive, mentoring role over the twelve-month period of the award, including studio visits to discuss progress towards the exhibition.

The selection panel

The selection panel for the 2023-24 award is:

Francis Upritchard
Claire Feeley, Jupiter Artland
Rebecca Scott, Artist, director at Cross Lane Projects and Mark Tanner Trust
Lee Holden, MTSA winner 2022-23

Eligibility

Applicants must be established residents of the UK. Students in current education are not eligible to apply. This applies to BA and MA students or equivalent, but those undertaking postgraduate research work leading to a PhD/Mphil/MLitt/ MRes or equivalent are able to apply. We are unable to accept joint, group or collective applications.

Selection Procedure

Selection will be made in three stages:

Stage 1:
- All applicants must complete the online application.
- You will be required to pay a fee of £15.00 to enter (this goes towards the costs of the selection procedure).
- Please note no other information will be viewed.

Stage 2:
- Initial selection process to shortlist

Stage 3:
- Interviews for shortlisted artists will be held at Standpoint the week commencing 10 April 2023
- We will ask shortlisted artists to make a short presentation about their work, followed by questions from the panel. We will request further documentation of your practice where necessary.
- References may be taken up prior to interview, for shortlisted artists only.
- Travel expenses (best price available) will be reimbursed for shortlisted applicants.
- Please note: the interview date is fixed, so please ensure sure you are able to attend. No other dates or arrangements can be made, unavailability will lead to a withdrawal from the selection process.

Due to the high volume of entries and the collective nature of the decision-making process, we are unable to contact or give feedback to artists who are not shortlisted for interview.

What the award supports

The award money may be used for any legitimate purpose that contributes toward the production of work, eg studio rent, materials, the artist’s time. We will not support promotional or documentation materials such as catalogues or photography. Travel costs would only be acceptable if they are in direct relation to research or production of works.

Other commitments

We aim for the exhibition at Standpoint to be the first public showing of new work supported by the award. Please make clear any other significant exhibiting commitments during the year so we can coordinate with these. Failure to do so could lead to a withdrawal of the award.

The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award is central to Standpoints charitable aims:
- to act as a platform for emerging artists,
- to support the diversity and vibrancy of artistic production,
- to promote excellence in and commitment to the artist as maker,
- and to provide an arena for artists professional development.