First Plinth | Royal Society of Sculptors

First Plinth

First Plinth: Public Art Award 2021 is designed to offer sculptors an opportunity to extend their practice into competing for public art commissions. The winning sculptor is awarded £15,000 to produce a large-scale sculpture for the sculpture terrace at Dora House before moving to a second site at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Applications for the First Plinth: Public Art Award 2023 are now closed. Please subscribe to our newsletter Shape & Form to be notified when applications open again.

The winner of the First Plinth: Public Art Award 2023 will be announced on Saturday 29th April and will coincide with the Public Art Symposium that will take place at Dora House at 6.30pm marking International Sculpture Day.

The winner of First Plinth: Public Art Award 2021 is Polly Morgan and her winning work will be unveiled on 27 February 2023. Alongside Morgan's sculpture OPEN! CHANNEL! FLOW! on the terrace, inside we will show False Flags an exhibition of new works by Morgan and by artist Leena Similu.

About the prize

This biennial award is open to any artist working in three dimensions, providing a unique and rare opportunity for the winner to build a track record in the competitive arena of public art.

The fabrication of the winning work is supported by the award, with the winner receiving mentoring from a team of experienced professionals – engineers, consultants and artists – to ensure the concept is delivered to the exacting standards required of work to be installed in public spaces.

This award is generously supported by the Mirisch & Lebenheim Charitable Foundation

Submissions for the 2021/22 award are now closed.