Short Description
The Gilbert Bayes Award for early career sculptors is given annually by the Society to a small group of outstandingly talented sculptors.
Selected by the sculptor members of the Society’s Board and a guest judge, the award provides vital support during what can be a difficult transition from study to professional practice. Students are not eligible for the GBA programme.
Eligibility
The award is open to sculptors of any age or nationality, with or without formal training and working in any style of media. This award is generously supported by the Gilbert Bayes Charitable Trust.
Submission Requirements
- Up to 12 images illustrating no less than five different works – please provide details for each artwork. We will also need title, year, description, measurements and materials please.
- An artist statement.
- A CV no more than two pages long.
- A brief statement about what you hope to achieve by winning the award.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
Award winners receive a year’s worth of professional development (including talks from guest speakers working in commercial galleries, art charities and private collections) and free membership of the Royal Society of Sculptors for a year.
Winners are also included in a group exhibition (existing work only) that takes place in London first followed, where possible, by a second iteration of the show outside of London. In the past three years, the show has travelled in May to The Art House in Wakefield.
As an award recipient, there will also be a chance to apply for member-only opportunities, including funded residencies and curated exhibitions. In addition, a residency based at Benson Sedgwick Engineering Ltd., a metal fabricator in Dagenham, East London is available to GBA winners only.
Winners will be invited to a welcome reception on Friday 5th of December at 5 pm hosted by the Society’s President, Laura Ford.
Entry Fee
Entry fee is £10
Location
London, United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 13th October 2025
Website Link: https://sculptors.org.uk/awards/gilbert-bayes-award
