If you’re an emerging artist from a Black background looking for the time, space, and inspiration to take your practice to the next level—this opportunity could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
The British School at Rome (BSR), in partnership with the Linbury Trust, has officially opened applications for the Sainsbury Scholarship 2026, a prestigious six-month residency program designed to empower and uplift early-career Black visual artists. The residency will run from 7 January to 30 June 2026, offering a fully-funded creative retreat in the heart of Italy’s capital—a city rich in history, culture, and artistic influence.
What Makes This Residency Unique?
The Sainsbury Scholarship isn’t just a residency—it’s a cultural and professional leap forward. It offers time for independent exploration, creative development, and international exposure within a supportive, intellectually charged community of artists and scholars at the British School at Rome.
Whether your art is rooted in painting, sculpture, digital media, performance, or any other visual medium, the BSR welcomes your vision. Most importantly, this program centers representation and inclusivity, specifically supporting visual artists from Black African, Caribbean, and Black British communities—groups historically underrepresented in the UK’s arts sector and in international residencies.
What the Sainsbury Scholarship Includes?
This opportunity is generously funded to allow artists to focus entirely on their work without financial stress:
- A monthly grant of £1,500 for the entire six-month stay
- A £500 travel grant to cover transportation to and from Rome
- A £400 grant to assist with visa costs and the transportation of artworks
- Full board and accommodation in a spacious residential studio at the BSR
- Engagement with Rome’s local art scene, including visits, events, and collaborations
- Public visibility through participation in BSR’s Open Studios and public events.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is intended for visual artists who meet the following criteria:
- You must be a British national or have been a UK resident for at least 3 years at the time of applying
- You must self-identify as being from a Black background, including Black African, Caribbean, or Black British
- You must have fewer than 10 years of professional experience as a practicing artist
So, if you’re still early in your journey as an artist but ready to expand your creative boundaries on an international stage, the Sainsbury Scholarship can open the door.
Apply: https://bsr.ac.uk/call-for-applications-the-sainsbury-scholarship-for-fine-arts-2026-six-months/
️ Deadline: Monday, 8 September 2025, at 11:59 PM (Rome time).
