Open to all
London, UK
About the prize
The Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors is a prestigious prize which supports the transition to professional practice and raises industry profile.
Award winners receive a year’s worth of professional development (including talks from guest speakers working in commercial galleries, art charities and private collections), a free year's membership of the Royal Society of Sculptors and inclusion in a group exhibition. Award recipients will also have the chance to apply for member-only opportunities as well as a residency based at Benson Sedgwick Engineering Ltd, a metal fabricator in East London.
The guest judge for the Gilbert Bayes Award 2026 is Tabish Khan, art critic, writer, speaker, podcaster, and curator who passionately believes in making art accessible to everyone.
The guest judge for the Gilbert Bayes Award 2025 is Freeny Yianni, curator and owner of CLOSE Gallery in Somerset that represents the Estates of Jane Harris and Turner Prize winner Grenville Davey as well as a rostrum of carefully selected artists who have propelled the gallery to its current international status.
In previous years the judges were gallerists Clemency Cooke and Charlotte Latham (2024) and artist and technologist Harry Yeff, Reeps100 (2023), independent curators Thorp Stavri (2022), curator and writer Aïcha Mehrez (2021) and artist Brian Griffiths (2020).
Applications for the GBA programme 2026 are expected to open in September 2025. You may like to subscribe to our GBA newsletter to be notified when applications open.
Entry Process
Applications are welcomed from early career artists of any age and nationality, with or without formal training, though not in formal education. All styles of media are considered, including installation, site specific, performance, conceptual and video work. A minimum of four years exhibiting experience is expected. Applicants, based in the UK and internationally, must be committed to embracing all aspects of the Award and actively participate in all Award events. Artists who have been elected to be members of the Society are not eligible to apply. Students are not eligible for the GBA programme.
Please note that the Society is unable to contribute financially towards artist expenses, travel costs or any costs associated with the group show exhibition.
Applications for the GBA programme 2026 are expected to open in early September 2025.
Polam Chan MRSS (GBA Winner 2023)
Watch Polam Chan MRSS, who joined the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2023 as part of the Gilbert Bayes Award, talk about his experience and why he recommends emerging artists to apply.
Srabani Ghosh MRSS (GBA Winner 2023)
Watch Srabani Ghosh MRSS, who joined the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2023 as part of the Gilbert Bayes Award, talk about her experience and why she recommends emerging artists to apply.
Flora Bradwell MRSS (GBA Winner 2023)
Watch Flora Bradwell MRSS, who joined the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2023 as part of the Gilbert Bayes Award, talk about her experience and why she recommends emerging artists to apply.
Current Winners
Past Winners
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
