Organizer Information
The Artists’ Collecting Society (ACS) is a UK-based not-for-profit Community Interest Company founded in 2006. Its core mission is to administer intellectual property rights—particularly Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) and copyright—on behalf of visual artists and their estates. Over the years, ACS has grown into a major rights management body representing nearly 2,000 artists, including internationally renowned figures across painting, sculpture, ceramics, and multidisciplinary practices.
Beyond rights management, ACS actively reinvests its surplus income into the artistic community by funding bursaries, supporting art education, and sponsoring prizes. The ACS Studio Prize is a key initiative within this ecosystem, designed to directly address the financial challenges faced by artists at the beginning of their professional careers—particularly the difficulty of securing affordable studio space after graduation.
Title & Description
ACS Studio Prize 2026 – Open Call for Emerging Visual Artists
The ACS Studio Prize 2026 invites recent graduates and early-career artists to apply for a £6,000 financial award aimed at supporting the cost of securing and maintaining a studio space in a UK city of their choice.
Now in its tenth edition, the prize is specifically designed to ease the transition from academic study to professional artistic practice. Recognizing the economic pressures that often hinder artistic development, the ACS Studio Prize provides direct financial assistance to help artists establish a sustainable working environment.
In addition to the monetary award, shortlisted finalists will gain significant exposure through a group exhibition hosted by Gurr Johns International in London. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to present work within a professional gallery context and engage with collectors, curators, and industry professionals.
The 2026 jury panel includes leading figures from the art world, such as art dealer and historian Philip Mould OBE, artist and Lucian Freud Archive Director David Dawson, and National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi. Their involvement ensures a rigorous and high-profile selection process.
Overall, the ACS Studio Prize functions as both a financial support mechanism and a career-launching platform for emerging artists working across a range of visual disciplines.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Collage
- Ceramic
- Craft
- Mixed Media
Eligibility
- Open to artists who are nationals of the UK, EEA, Australia, or New Zealand
- Applicants must be:
- Final-year undergraduate or postgraduate students on an accredited art course, or
- Graduates (within the last four years) from an accredited art program
- Open to emerging artists / recent graduates
- Applicants must be working within visual art disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, or related media
- No age limit specified
Program Benefits & Awards
- £6,000 cash prize to support studio rental and associated costs
- Opportunity to exhibit in a group exhibition at Gurr Johns International (London)
- Exposure to a distinguished jury panel and art world professionals
- Increased visibility within the UK art ecosystem
- Career development support through recognition by a major arts organization
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A 1,000–2,000-word personal statement explaining motivation for applying
- A 250-word artist statement describing artistic practice
- A PDF portfolio including:
- 15–20 images of artworks
- A one-page Artist CV
- Agreement to ACS Terms and Conditions
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official application guidelines before submission.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 June 2026
- Exhibition (Finalists): Mid-September 2026 (London)
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The prize specifically addresses post-graduation financial challenges faced by artists
- Focus is on enabling artists to sustain a professional studio practice
- Open to a wide range of visual art disciplines, encouraging diversity in medium and approach
- The associated exhibition provides critical professional exposure early in an artist’s career
- ACS operates on a non-profit basis, reinvesting funds into artist support initiatives
- Selection is highly competitive, with emphasis on artistic quality, clarity of vision, and professional potential