Membership Applications Summer 2026

Deadline: 04/09/2026

Royal Society of Sculptors

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This opportunity launches on 23/06/2026

Until then, you can send the curators a message using the "contact curator" button above.

When is the deadline to apply?
Friday 4 September 2026 at 5 pm UK time - please note the portal remains open until 23.59 but no technical support can be provided after 5 pm.

We strongly recommend you apply early as no extension to the deadline is possible. If you have questions or doubts, contact us through the Contact Curator tab.
How much does it cost?
The non-refundable fee to apply for membership is £45.

If successful you will be asked to pay the membership fees of £232 per year (pro-rata).
When will I find out whether my application was successful?
All applicants will be informed during the week commencing 21 September 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Society of Sculptors?
Established, national or international, professional artists who make sculpture in any of its forms as a significant part of a coherent professional practice, whose work adds to the language of sculpture and who can demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and contemporary understanding.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience and contemporary understanding. Applicant's work should be high quality, distinctive and adds to the language of sculpture; whilst also demonstrating the skilled realisation of ideas. The selection panel is keen to see evidence of enquiry and reflection.

Regrettably, we are unable to provide individual feedback on membership applications.

Please note: Applications are reviewed and assessed by the sculptor Trustees of the Society's Board on an ANONYMOUS BASIS to ensure fairness so make sure you do not include your name in the statement, CV / resume or in the captions / file names of the images submitted.
Who assesses applications for membership of the Royal Society of Sculptors?
Applications are reviewed and assessed by the sculptor Trustees of the Society's Board. They are currently:

Laura Ford PRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/laura-ford
Nick Hornby VPRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/nick-hornby
Barbara Beyer FRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/barbara-beyer
Tere Chad MRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/tere-chad
Andrea Geile FRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/andrea-geile
Anna Gillespie MRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/anna-gillespie
Eugene Macki MRSS https://sculptors.org.uk/artists/eugene-macki
How do you decide on applications?
Applications are reviewed and assessed by the sculptor Trustees of the Society's Board on an ANONYMOUS BASIS to ensure fairness so make sure you do not include your name in the statement, CV / resume or in the captions / file names of the images submitted.

Established, national or international, professional artists who make sculpture in any of its forms as a significant part of a coherent professional practice, whose work adds to the language of sculpture and who can demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and contemporary understanding.

In their application, prospective members should demonstrate evidence of making sculpture in any of its forms as a significant part of a coherent professional practice. They will be selected for membership based on the quality of the application and provide evidence of:

1. Distinctive and high quality work which adds to the language of sculpture

2. A critically engaged practice with contemporary understanding

3. Accomplished use of materials, techniques and processes
Why is the Society asking that I submit the application anonymously?
The Society reviews membership applications anonymously—sometimes called “blind judging”—to make the process as fair as possible for everyone. By removing names and any identifying details, the reviewers can focus entirely on the quality of each application rather than who the applicant is.

This approach helps prevent unconscious bias, whether related to background, education, personal connections, or other factors that shouldn’t influence the decision. It ensures that every applicant is judged on the same criteria and given an equal opportunity to be considered.

In short, blind judging supports a more objective, consistent, and fair selection process, helping the Society choose members based on merit alone.
Can I apply if I am still at University?
No, those still in full-time education are not eligible for membership. Those enrolled in a PhD may be eligible. If in doubt contact us before applying.
How much are the membership fees?
The yearly fees for 2026 are:

Members (MRSS): £232 per year (£58 per quarter)
Fellows (FRSS): £282 per year (£70.5 per quarter)
I cannot upload my images or CV, what should I do?
Contact CuratorSpace via help@curatorspace.com
Who can help if I am having problems submitting my application?
If you've taken a look through the CuratorSpace's FAQs and tutorials, and you still have questions that need answering, you can email CuratorSpace at help@curatorspace.com and they will get back to you as soon possible.
How many works can I submit?
You can submit up to 12 works in support of your application for membership. We recommend you use the FULL ALLOWANCE (ie upload 12 different works) to showcase the depth and breadth of your practice. Please make sure the images you submit have no captions that include your name or information that would identify you.
What type of member-only opportunities do you offer?
All members and fellows of the Society may apply to participate in the annual Summer Show that every year has an independent curator. In 2026 the guest curator is acclaimed designer Henry Holland. In 2025, the guest curator was Polly Bielecka, Director at Pangolin Gallery and in 2024, Dr. David McAlmont, a recording artiste and art historian. In addition a number of funded residencies are on offer including at Thread in Senegal, Carraig-nCat in Ireland (both in partnership with the Albers Foundation), at the Hugo Burge Foundation in the Scottish Borders, at Eilean Shona in Scotland and in Wick, Somerset.

Starting in autumn 2026, members are also invited to apply to flexible research-based residencies at the new Dora House space, once the 'Creating a Home for Sculptors' works are completed.

Recent exhibition opportunities have included exhibiting at the London Art Fair (January 2026), the Chapel at Brompton Cemetery (March 2026), The Roof Gardens in High Street Kensington (Spring-Summer 2026).

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