Application information
Mark Tanner Sculpture Award 2026-27
Applications now closed
For reference only
The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award is the most significant award for emerging artists working in the field of sculpture in the UK. It is unique in its combination of offering financial support towards the production of new work, plus a solo exhibition to an exceptional sculptor.
The award offers £10,000 in financial support towards the production of new work, plus a funded solo exhibition, to an exceptional sculptor. The award also includes a national touring programme, taking MTSA artists to partner venues across the UK.
We seek to reward outstanding and innovative practice in the field of sculpture and are particularly interested in work that demonstrates a commitment to process and materials.
There is no age limit, applicants will be judged on the quality of their work and the ability of the award to make a beneficial impact on their practice and future development.
The financial award to assist in the production of a new body of work is £10,000, made in 3 payments over the course of the year, at the end of which there will be a solo exhibition at Standpoint Gallery. Standpoint will maintain a supportive, mentoring role over the twelve-month period of the award, including studio visits to discuss progress towards the exhibition.
The selection panel
The selection panel for the 2026-27 award is:
Holly Hendry, Artist.
Melanie Pocock, Artistic Director (Exhibitions), IKON Gallery.
Rebecca Scott, Mark Tanner Trust and Director, Cross Lane Projects.
Clara Hastrup, MTSA winner 2025-26.
Eligibility
Applicants must be established residents of the UK. Students in current education are not eligible to apply. This applies to BA and MA students or equivalent, but those undertaking postgraduate research work leading to a PhD/Mphil/MLitt/ MRes or equivalent are able to apply. We are unable to accept joint, group or collective applications.
Selection Procedure
Selection will be made in three stages:
Stage 1
- All applicants must complete the online application.
- You will be required to pay a fee of £15.00 to enter (this goes towards the costs of the selection procedure).
- Please note no other information will be viewed.
Stage 2
- Initial selection process to produce a shortlist.
Stage 3
- Interviews for shortlisted artists will be held at Standpoint on Wednesday 29 April 2026.
- Shortlisted artists will be asked to make a short presentation about their work, followed by questions from the panel.
- Further documentation of practice may be requested where necessary.
- References may be taken up prior to interview, for shortlisted artists only.
- Travel expenses (best price available) will be reimbursed for shortlisted applicants.
- Please note that the interview date is fixed. No alternative dates or arrangements can be made. Unavailability will lead to withdrawal from the selection process.
Due to the high volume of entries and the collective nature of the decision-making process, we are unable to contact or give feedback to artists who are not shortlisted for interview.
What the award supports
The award money may be used for any legitimate purpose that contributes toward the production of work, eg studio rent, materials, the artist’s time. We will not support promotional or documentation materials such as catalogues or photography. Travel costs would only be acceptable if they are in direct relation to research or production of works.
Other commitments
We aim for the exhibition at Standpoint to be the first public showing of new work supported by the award. Please make clear any other significant exhibiting commitments during the year so we can coordinate with these. Failure to do so could lead to a withdrawal of the award.
The Mark Tanner Sculpture Award is central to Standpoint’s charitable aims:
- To act as a platform for emerging artists
- To support the diversity and vibrancy of artistic production
- To promote excellence in and commitment to the artist as maker
- To provide an arena for artists’ professional development
For enquiries please email: mtsa(at)standpointlondon.co.uk