We are delighted to announce a new award for mid-career artists who have painting at the heart of their practices. The award provides a two-year, rent-free studio for an artist to think ambitiously about how they can use the space to develop their work and career.

The Award

Orsman Road Studio Award provides a large self-contained studio in Acme’s Orsman Road building in Hackney and a £4,000 materials budget.

Artists of all stages of career are often forced to find additional sources of income to sustain their practice. These activities can distract from their work and restrict the amount of time they can spend in the studio. The aim of the Orsman Road Studio Award is to enable a mid-career painter to dedicate more time to their studio practice. Reducing the practical challenges artists face is central to Acme’s mission of supporting artists in necessitous circumstances and, above all, helping artists be artists.

Beginning in 2026, there will be five two-year awards over ten years. The first awardee will be selected in June 2026, with the residency starting in August.

Eligibility

Eligible artists should:

• Have painting at the heart of their practice

• Have at least five years and no more than twenty years’ experience post-study*

* We understand that people may previously have had gaps in their careers due to study, health, non-arts work or caring

• Demonstrate a current, active practice

• Be registered on Acme’s Waiting List

• Not in formal education during the award period

• Not currently have a long-term tenancy for an Acme studio**

** Artists can be an informal sharer in an Acme studio or have less than 6 months remaining on a sublet at the time of the deadline

Proposals

Eligible artists will be asked about their current workspace conditions and their limitations, and to submit a proposal for how the Orsman Road studio and materials budget could help make a significant difference to their practice. Examples could include any of the following:

• Produce an ambitious new body of work

• Establish new or re-engage professional contacts

• Use the studio to work towards exhibition opportunities

• Document work for professional opportunities

• Embark on new research enquiries or experiments with materiality

Selection criteria

We are looking for bold and specific ideas that will make a difference to artists' work and the opportunities that can be accessed as a result.

Artists who currently do not have adequate workspace for their practices and who would otherwise not have the means to do so, will be prioritised.

We are particularly keen to support activities which would be difficult to realise without the studio and materials budget.

Applications will be shortlisted against the following criteria:

• Current practice / need for the studio (40%)

• Ambitious yet specific plans for the studio (50%)

• Potential impact of the studio on the artist’s practice (10%)

FAQs

Please read the Guidance and FAQs for further guidelines and information on eligibility.

To apply

We would prefer it if you completed your application online here:

The written section of the application can also be completed as a video or audio recording (approximately 3 minutes).

When you apply, you will need to upload:

• A current CV

• 5 images with details (title, dimensions, materials, date) in a PDF

A Word version of the application form can be downloaded here to work on your answers before submitting it through the online form above:

Please submit your application by 10am, 1 June 2026.

If you have any questions or would like to request the guidance and application form in a different format (large print or alternative colours), please email [email protected].

Key dates

• Open for application: 6 May 2026
• Deadline for applications: 10am, 1 June 2026
• Shortlisted artists interviews: w/c 8 June 2026
• Outcome communicated: w/c 15 June 2026
• Duration of the award: August 2026 to July 2028

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in their studio spaces by a selection panel consisting of Jon Opie, Head of Acme Artist Support and an established painter TBC.

The Orsman Road Studio Award is supported by Dan Perfect.