A New Approach to Artist Bursaries at CuratorSpace
CuratorSpace has updated its bursary programme to better support the realities of working as an artist. The new model removes the administrative barriers and fixed deadlines that often make funding difficult to access.
Rather than asking artists to apply for support connected to a specific project, applications are now selected solely on the basis of practice. This reflects how many artists actually work, developing ideas, responding to opportunities, and balancing making, research and income generation.
The bursary is intended to support artists with an active contemporary visual arts practice, rooted in current cultural, social or artistic contexts. Artists can work in any medium, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, applied art, live art and social practice. The programme does not prioritise particular disciplines, levels of experience, or formal qualifications.
We hope that this change will provide more flexibility, and funding can be used to support a wide range of activity, including making new work, research and development, materials, equipment, training, access costs, or adapting practice in response to new opportunities. It can also be used as match funding where needed.
Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted based on eligibility and whether they demonstrate a clearly defined and current contemporary visual arts practice. One shortlisted artist will be selected each month to receive £1000 towards their practice.
Artists who are shortlisted but not selected will remain in the draw so there is no need to reapply.
The next bursary opens on 1st June 2026 and more information can be found at https://bursary.curatorspace.com
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