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. The award is open to sculptors of any age or nationality, with or without formal training and working in any style of media.

ENTRY FEE 

Entry fee is £10

ENTRY PROCESS 

Applications are welcomed from early career artists of any age and nationality, with or without formal training, though not in formal education. All styles of media are considered, including installation, site specific, performance, conceptual and video work. A minimum of four years exhibiting experience is expected. Applicants, based in the UK and internationally, must be committed to embracing all aspects of the Award and actively participate in all Award events.

Please note that the Society is unable to contribute financially towards artist expenses, travel costs or any costs associated with the group show exhibition.

All applicants will be required to complete an application. This comprises:

·         Up to 10 images of 5 works - please provide details for each artwork within the 'artist statement' text box. We will need - title, year 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.

The closing deadline for online submission is 5pm Tuesday 15 October 2024.

Notification of all results will be sent by email in early December.

RULES AND GUIDELINES 

By submitting an application, the entrant promises that all of the information comprised in the application is correct. The entrant also promises to comply with these rules and any other Award requirements specified by the Society (whether on its website or otherwise) and the Society reserves its right to exclude any entry which in its opinion does not comply.

All applications must be made using this online form and all fields must be completed. No hard copy applications will be accepted. Applications must be received by the closing date specified.

Proof of submission is not proof of receipt. No responsibility can be accepted for applications which are incomplete, delayed or not received for whatever reason. Regrettably incomplete applications will not be submitted to the selection committee for review and will therefore be classed as an unsuccessful application. Refunds will not be given for incomplete applications.

ELIGIBILITY 

Applications are welcomed from early career artists of any age and nationality, with or without formal training, though not in formal education. All styles of media are considered, including installation, site specific, performance, conceptual and video work. A minimum of four years exhibiting experience is expected. Applicants, UK based an international, must be committed to embracing all aspects of the Award and actively participate in all Award events.

Please note that existing or past Royal Society of Sculptors members are not eligible to apply.

GBA MENTORING SESSIONS 

By submitting an application the entrant, should they be successful and selected, is agreeing to attend all GBA mentoring sessions, please see future session dates below:

·         20 January 2025, 2-5pm

·         17 February 2025, 2-5pm

·         17 March 2025, 2-5pm

·         21 April 2025, 2-5pm

·         19 May 2025, 2-5pm

·         16 June 2025, 2-5pm

·         21 July 2025, 2-5pm

·         15 September 2025, 2-5pm

·         20 October 2025, 2-5pm

·         17 November 2025, 2-5pm

The above sessions will be a mixture of online and in person meetings.

Please note that if a successful entrant misses three mentoring sessions they will be excluded from the exhibition. If unable to attend a mentoring session in person we do allow the use of Zoom.

SCULPTURE SLAM TALK AND GROUP EXHIBITION 

By submitting an application the entrant, should they be successful and selected, is agreeing to participate in a Sculpture Slam talk and group exhibition with other successful entrants.