Open to any BSU graduate, the Freelands Foundation Fellowship is an opportunity for practising artists to receive studio space within a prestigious art school, funding, and more.


Applications for 2025 close at midday on Monday 16 December 2024.


The Freelands Fellowship programme offers artists funding for a year, a personal studio within the setting of one of the partner universities' art departments, and dedicated time and support to develop their individual artistic practice.

In addition, they'll receive mentorship and the opportunity to engage with the current student body through supporting staff with workshops, crits and tutorials as well as hosting at least one artist’s talk. 

Without the conditions that this fellowship has created I would not have been able to take the kind of risks that have propelled my practice into such new directions.

Mikey Thomas, Fellow at Bath School of Art, Film and Media

About the programme

  • Fellows will be based at their host university for 12 months, beginning at the earliest in February 2025, with their own studio as part of the Fine Art department. 
  • Fellows will receive a bursary of £26,000 to support them throughout the duration of the Fellowship 
  • Fellows will have access to workshop and library facilities as well as regular contact with a dedicated mentor. 
  • Fellows will have the opportunity to visit one of the partner universities in the role of a visiting Lecturer/practitioner. 
  • Fellows will work towards a solo exhibition with their host university. 

Criteria

Applications are invited from studio-based artists who graduated from one of the eight participating universities

Please note, you can't apply to the same university you graduated from. All applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for the entire duration of the Fellowship in order to be considered for the opportunity. 

Key dates 

  • Applications close at midday on Monday 16 December 2024
  • Interviews will be conducted at the university stated on your application. 
  • The Fellowships will start in February 2025 at the earliest. 

Application process 

Initial applications are directed to Freelands Foundation through completion of this form. Host universities will then shortlist and invite candidates to interview at their chosen university.

Freelands Foundation does not participate in the shortlisting, interviewing or final selection processes. 

Application guidance 

Complete this form to apply. 

Please note this application cannot be saved and returned to. We suggest you write the answers in a separate document and copy and paste once ready. 

To read the questions in advance, please see the Easy Read Guidance. This document also gives more information on how we can support your application, including alternative ways to apply (audio, video, word doc).

“We are delighted to continue with the Freelands Studio Fellowships. The Foundation is working closely with partner universities to develop the programme. The Fellowships will provide an incredible opportunity for emerging artists to engage with art schools, working alongside creative and fine art students whilst developing their own practice.”

Freelands Foundation

The Freelands Foundation

The Freelands Foundation was set up in 2015 to give an increased number of people the chance to engage with and enjoy the arts in the UK, with a particular focus on education.

Its ambition is to give everyone access to a creative and cultural education in the belief that it raises their aspirations and transforms their opportunities in life.

Freelands Foundation Logo

Masthead image: Ciarrai MacCormac studio