About the Open Call

Abbey Awards offers residencies for painters at the British School at Rome. Artists are selected from an annual submission, open to United Kingdom and United States citizens and residents. An Abbey Award allows artists the opportunity to focus on their practice, free from everyday pressures and distractions, with accommodation, meals and stipends all provided. Abbey Fellows and Scholars live and work within the BSR’s vibrant international research community, in the most fascinating city of the ancient and modern world. The residencies offer accommodation in studio live/work ateliers, within a community of independent researchers and practitioners in the fields of Fine Art, Archaeology, Architecture, the Humanities and Social Sciences. Abbey Fellowships are 3 month residencies with a stipend of £1500 per month. The Abbey Scholarship is a residency of 9 months and Scholars receive a stipend of £1250 per month. Three Fellows and one Scholar are selected annually. Candidates apply for either a Fellowship or Scholarship. Abbey Fellowships are opportunities for mid-career artists who may be established in their work and practice. The duration of the Fellowship is 3 months, with a monthly stipend of £1500. The Scholarship is a longer residency of 9 months for emerging artists at an earlier career stage, with a monthly stipend of £1250. Although the awards are aimed at artists whose main practice is painting, the definition of painting is understood to include the ‘expanded field’; artists whose practice incorporates sculpture, performance, textiles etc. have successfully applied. The BSR seeks to be a place where all are welcome regardless of their identity or background, and where all can thrive in an inclusive environment that values and celebrates diversity. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups currently underrepresented at the BSR. See our Equal Opportunities policy for further details. Additional funding is available: The Jules de Goede Fund provides a £300 grant for materials and travel for all Fellows. The Rosa Lee Scholarship Fund provides an extra £100 for all Scholars for travel within Italy.

What is Offered

Residency, Accommodation, Meals, Monthly Stipend (£1500/month for Fellowships, £1250/month for Scholarships), Additional Grants (up to £300 for Fellows, £100 for Scholars).

Requirements

Open to United Kingdom and United States citizens and long-term residents (resident for a consecutive 5 of the last 10 years). No age limit. Artists whose main practice is painting, including an expanded field that incorporates sculpture, performance, textiles, etc. are eligible.

How to Apply

To apply, submit 8 images of recent work, the completed Application Form, and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form via We Transfer to apply@abbey.org.uk. An application fee of £25/US equivalent applies, though a Fee Waiver is available for applicants in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. Refer to Application Guidelines and Forms provided on the website.