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 GBA 2021 show was held at Cromwell Place in March 2022 in London (see a video here) and it later toured to Chester College of Art in the summer of 2022.
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.
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 are now closed for the Gilbert Bayes Award 2023.
