Freelands Fellowship 2023

 News 

Freelands Studio Fellowship open for applications from graduates

The 2023 Freelands Studio Fellowship is now open for applications, until 10am on Monday 2 October, from studio-based artists who have graduated from one of the following six participating universities: 

• Bath School of Art, Film and Media, Bath Spa University. 
• Belfast School of Art, Ulster University 
• School of Art and Media, University of Brighton 
• Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen 
• Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University 
• Swansea College of Art, University of Wales Trinity Saint David 

Established in 2020 by the Freelands Foundation, the Fellowship invites alumni who have maintained practice since graduating from an MA, MFA or BA (Hons) Fine Art and Contemporary Art practice degree from Bath School of Art, Film and Media (formerly the Bath School of Art and Design) to apply for a place at one of the five participating universities. 

Similarly, graduates from the aforementioned universities can also apply for the chance to study at Bath Spa University‘s modern, state-of-the-art Locksbrook Campus. 

Starting in February 2024, fellows will be based at their host university for 12 months, receive a bursary of £24,000 and will have their own studio. Successful fellows will also have access to workshop and library facilities as well as regular contact with a dedicated mentor. 

An opportunity to visit the partner universities in the role of a visiting lecturer/practitioner will also form part of the fellowship package, as well as a solo exhibition at their host university, and a final group event or exhibition organised by the Freelands Foundation, to take place in spring 2025. 

Catherine Parsonage was the inaugural Freelands Painting Fellow at Bath Spa University in 2021, talking about how winning the prize helped her, she said:

“It is difficult to communicate fully how vital and remarkable I have found this opportunity to be. On a daily basis I can see how crucial the role of a fellow can be; unlike my previous experiences of scholarships and residencies which centre the artist, I found that this role has the potential to create incredibly meaningful, symbiotic relationships between me the fellow, the students, the academic and technical staff. "

Will Kenrick, Bath Spa University graduate and Freelands Painting Fellow at the University of Brighton in 2021, added:

“So far, this has been an incredible opportunity for me to throw myself into teaching at this level and I hope this will be a time that I look back on as a career building experience. It has given me time to think about my work in ways that I have not for a very long time, and I honestly don’t think I have ever been more excited about the work I am making as I am right now.” 

For your chance to take part in this year’s Freelands Studio Fellowship, you can apply via the Freelands Foundation website where you will also find further information and FAQs.

Image credit: DK Griffiths