Organizer Information
The Lucky Dip Bursary Scheme is organised by Space Arts, a Southampton-based visual arts organisation founded in 2000. Established by artists for artists, the organisation plays a significant role in supporting creative practitioners through artist development programmes, exhibitions, and community engagement initiatives.
As a registered charity and a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, ‘a space’ arts delivers a wide range of projects including studio provision, exhibitions, and artist-led programmes such as the Arches and RIPE. One of its key venues is God’s House Tower, a cultural hub that hosts exhibitions, events, and public programmes aimed at expanding access to contemporary art and heritage.
The organisation is committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and anti-racist practices, actively working to reduce barriers within the arts sector and support underrepresented artists.
Title & Description
The Lucky Dip Bursary Scheme 2026/27
The Lucky Dip Bursary Scheme is an experimental funding initiative designed to support visual artists through an accessible and non-competitive selection process. Unlike traditional grants, this programme removes the burden of complex applications and evaluation criteria by awarding bursaries through a random lottery selection.
Eight selected artists will each receive £500 to develop a new artwork, research project, or artistic activity. The scheme encourages artists to experiment, take risks, and explore new ideas, rather than focusing solely on polished final outcomes.
The funded work can take many forms—from early-stage concepts and research processes to works-in-progress or completed pieces. Selected artists will also have the opportunity to present their work as part of a group exhibition at God’s House Tower in Southampton, scheduled between April and June 2027.
A key aspect of this initiative is its commitment to equity and representation. Four of the eight bursaries are specifically reserved for artists from global majority backgrounds, reflecting the organisation’s broader anti-racism strategy.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Installation
- Multimedia
- Mixed Media
- Research-based Practice
Eligibility
- Be based within the SO postcode area (Southampton, UK)
- Be 18 years or older
- Identify as a visual artist (no formal qualifications required)
- Be new applicants (previous Lucky Dip recipients are not eligible)
The programme is open to artists at all career stages, including emerging practitioners. No portfolio is required, making this opportunity particularly accessible to those with limited professional experience.
Four bursaries are reserved for artists from global majority backgrounds (including Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse communities).
Program Benefits & Awards
- £500 bursary to support artistic development
- Flexible funding for research, experimentation, or production
- Opportunity to exhibit work at God’s House Tower
- Professional support from the ‘a space’ arts team
- Participation in group meetings and peer exchange sessions
Payment Structure:
- £450 upon signing the agreement (May 2026)
- £50 after completion of evaluation (July 2027)
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Contact details (name, email, postcode)
- A short statement (max. 50 words): describing their artistic identity
- A proposal (max. 100 words): outlining how the bursary would be used
- Optional demographic and access information
Notably, no portfolio is required, significantly lowering entry barriers.
Alternative submission formats (video, audio, email) are accepted for accessibility purposes.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
- Lottery Draw Announcement: 15 May 2026
- Artist Meetings: 18–22 May 2026
- Programme Start: June 2026
- Artwork Deadline: 5 April 2027
- Exhibition Dates: 23 April – 13 June 2027
Location
Southampton, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Selection is conducted via a lottery system, not a merit-based evaluation
- Applications are only checked to ensure they are not offensive or discriminatory
- Artists must participate in progress meetings and the final exhibition
- The programme prioritises accessibility and inclusion, offering alternative formats and support
- Environmental impact will be monitored as part of the organisation’s climate action strategy
- The scheme encourages risk-taking and experimentation, rather than polished outputs