Organizer Information
The Royal Society of Sculptors is a UK-based professional society supporting artists working in sculpture and contemporary sculptural practice. Through exhibitions, professional development, membership, networking, and artist opportunities, the Society provides a platform for sculptors at different stages of their careers. The Gilbert Bayes Award (GBA) is named after British sculptor Gilbert Bayes (1872–1953) and is supported by the Gilbert Bayes Charitable Trust.
Title & Description
Gilbert Bayes Award 2027
The Gilbert Bayes Award 2027 is an annual opportunity for early-career sculptors seeking support in developing a sustainable professional artistic career. The programme focuses not only on artistic practice but also on the practical realities of working professionally, including networking, exhibitions, commissions, contracts, professional positioning, press, and opportunities within the wider art world.
Selected artists participate in a year-long professional development and mentoring programme from December 2026 through November 2027, followed by a group exhibition in London in early 2028. The 2027 Guest Selector is Kate Davies, an arts strategist, consultant, and collection expert.
Categories
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Conceptual Art
- Performance
- Video
- Moving Image
- Digital Media
- Site-Specific Art
- Traditional Sculpture and other sculptural practices.
Eligibility
The award is open internationally to early-career artists of any age or nationality, with or without formal artistic training. Applicants should have:
- At least four years of exhibiting experience.
- A clear and committed sculptural practice.
- The ability to participate fully in the programme.
- Availability for mentoring sessions and exhibition-related activities.
Applicants do not need formal training. However, applicants currently enrolled in full-time education, including BA or MA programmes, are not eligible. PhD students may be eligible and are advised to contact the organisers for confirmation. Current and former members of the Royal Society of Sculptors are also ineligible.
Program Benefits & Awards
- A year-long professional development and mentoring programme.
- Monthly sessions from January–November 2027, excluding August.
- Talks and guidance from professionals working across galleries, collections, arts organisations, and the wider art sector.
- Participation in a Sculpture Slam talk.
- Inclusion in a professional group exhibition in London.
- One year of free membership of the Royal Society of Sculptors.
- Two additional years of membership at half price.
- Access to professional networks, member opportunities, and potential collaborations.
- Potential access to exclusive opportunities such as a residency at Benson Sedgwick Engineering Ltd., a metal fabrication studio in East London.
Travel and production costs are not covered by the Society.
Application Fee
£10 GBP. The fee is payable by debit or credit card after completing the initial submission through the application platform.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 13 October 2026
- Results Announced: Mid-November 2026
- Programme Introduction: 4 December 2026
- Mentoring Programme: January–November 2027, excluding August
- Artwork Delivery for Exhibition: December 2027
- Group Exhibition & Artists SLAM: Early 2028
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
Selected artists are expected to actively participate in the programme. Missing three or more sessions will result in withdrawal from the GBA programme. Applications must be complete and submitted online; incomplete applications will not be considered. The Society does not provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants, and the judges' decision is final.