If you can’t find something, or have further queries please email [email protected].

1) How do I work out when my artistic practice began?

The period of at least five years and no more than twenty years should begin with the date of your first professional engagement (exhibition, award, commission or project). The earliest first date should be in 2006 and the latest first date should be in 2021.

2) Can I include the years I spent in art education?

If you went to art school (or the equivalent), your first professional engagement should be after your original training. If you undertook subsequent training, then this can be included within the 20 years.

3) I took time out for childcare/caring responsibilities so there is a bit of a gap in my CV. Can I include these years in my 20-year calculation?

Yes, we anticipate that many artists need to juggle caring commitments with making work. A CV can indicate this. Likewise, any significant periods of time when an artist has not been able to practice because of other work commitments or health issues can be shown on a CV.

4) I’ve made lots of different types of work during the years of my practice. Will this be an issue when considering an application?

No, a consistent type of work isn’t required to meet the criteria. However, we do expect painting to be at the heart of your current practice, with enough recent evidence in your portfolio and on your CV to demonstrate this.

5) I want to apply with a collaborator/ share the studio.

The studio award is designed for sole occupation of the studio.

6) I currently have a studio with another provider. Can I still make an application?

Yes, but we expect you to give up the other studio if you are given the award.

7) I am currently subletting an Acme studio, can I apply?

If there are less than 3 months remaining on your sublet term by application deadline date, then you can apply.

8) I have other employment alongside my practice. Is this an issue when making a proposal?

No. We anticipate that many artists will be doing additional work to support a practice which may continue during the year of the award.

9) Why do you need to know how the award will help me overcome barriers in my work or career?

Acme exists to support artists in necessitous circumstances, and we are keen to understand how the award might help you to overcome barriers you have faced to access adequate workspace and develop your work and career.

10) I’d love to have an exhibition of my work during the award period, but I don’t have a gallery in mind. Is this something Acme could help with?

We can offer advice and support, but we cannot provide a space or guarantee exhibition opportunities. We recommend artists include plans for exhibiting within proposals if this is their focus, including indicating confirmed or likely partners.

11) I have planned/am planning a residency in/outside of the UK later this year. Can I do this during the period of the award?

We intend the award to be genuinely beneficial and would not support the studio sitting empty for extended periods. Therefore, you would only be eligible if your residency is a pre-existing commitment of one month or less.

12) Can I do an education or training course during the two-year award?

The award is to enable an artist to dedicate time to their studio practice, which is why artists in formal education full- or part-time are not eligible. Short courses are permitted.

13) What other kinds of support will Acme offer?

A member of Artist Support team will meet with the artist at the start of the award period to discuss their plans and provide guidance where appropriate. The awardee will have access to the wider programme for Residencies & Awards artists.

14) How will the award be evaluated?

There will be a survey and exit interview with the artist towards the end of the two years, which will be used to help us learn about the value of the award and improve its delivery in the future.

15) If I’m not successful this time, can I apply again in the future?

The Orsman Road Studio Award is a biennial award, which will be made every two years. You may apply again if you are not successful this time.

16) Can I use the award to support an application for further grant funding?

Yes. Acme can also provide a letter of support or recommendation to the awardee.

17) I am not a painter. Why is the award not open to artists working in other mediums?

The funding conditions for the award specifies that the awardee should have painting at the heart of their practice.

18) I am not currently on the waiting list, can I apply?

You will need to be eligible for a studio with Acme and join the waiting list before starting your application. Applications from artists not on the waiting list will not be considered.

19) How has this award been financed?

This award is supported by an anonymous donor, who has generously covered the costs of rent, running the award and providing the materials bursary. The conditions of the donation have also shaped the focus of this award, which is designed to support a mid-career painter.