MASS SCULPTURE PROGRAMME

*APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN, DEADLINE: 26 APRIL 2026*

MASS Sculpture Programmes launched in October 2021 at our new MASS HQ Studios at Thames-Side Studios, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NR.

MASS HQ is in the heart of the largest single-site community of artists and creatives in London and in close proximity to the London Sculpture Workshop. We offer a number of on-site studio spaces and a flexible crit and talks space to enable us to build a sustainable community of peers and mentors.

Participants work in their own studio and come to MASS HQ for talks, crits and seminar - with the option of taking a year-long space at MASS HQ see below*.

Most participants Studios are based in London, usually within Zone 1-4, however if you would like to take part and are outside of this area please email us to discuss.

OVERVIEW

Regular Artists Talks at MASS HQ
6 x 1-2-1 mentoring sessions in your own studio
Mentor-led group visits to your studio
Regular Seminar Points at MASS HQ or on location
MASS Residencies and Crits at MASS HQ **
Peer to peer interaction and networking with the MASS Sculpture Programme participants
Adhoc gallery visits, talks and extras during the year
Option to take a studio at MASS HQ*
Large kiln access
Option to continue for a second / third year
Interim (mid year) exhibition at MASS HQ
End of year show at Thames-side Gallery & MASS HQ

The programme runs across a 10-month timetable (mid September - mid July).

**Residency Crits – the format is usually refreshed each year; for the current cohort each participant is invited to take up two residencies during the year at MASS HQ for approx. three weeks to work alongside 4/5 other participants. You will give as much time as you are able to create work during this time and then invited to set up for a crit – you might be there every day – you might be there once a week – and just bring work to the space to assemble. It will be different for different artists. A mentor will visit once during the residency, then two mentors – will crit the work inviting other participants to join the crit day to discuss the work.

Optional add-ons beyond the core programme (some with additional cost or subsidised cost implications):

Material introductory workshops at London Sculpture Workshop
Workshop time at London Sculpture Workshop
External artist and gallery visits
Bronze workshop
Additional exhibiting opportunities

Address: MASS HQ, Thames-Side Studios, Unit 7, 18 Warspite Rd, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NR

Fees for 2026/27 are £3,750.

Applications Deadline: Applications will close on Sunday 26 April (midnight) 2026.

*STUDIO AT MASS HQ (optional)

Additionally to the MASS Sculpture Programme we also offer the opportunity for a limited number of participants to take a studio at MASS HQ. Studio spaces are approx 220 sq ft / 20 sq m of personal use space and include easy access to a large Kiln (paying for electricity use only), a small work bench area, kitchen and lunch area. Wifi. Close proximity to LSW. Open Studios to encourage exchange of peer to peer mentoring

Fees for 2026/27 MASS studio on application. (Inclusive from 1 September - 31 July ) If you are interested in taking a studio at MASS HQ please include this on your application form.

TESTIMONIALS

“When I talk to people about participating in the MASS Studio Programme, one particular word always stands out. Energy! I was at a stage where my practice really needed energising. The guided mentoring from the programme leaders and guest artists in combination with the connection with both Studio and Off-Site artists on the programme has made me think about my practice in a different way. The location of the MASS hub and the facilities and links with the London Sculpture Workshop have made this the icing on the cake!”

– Carolyn Whittaker
(MASS Correspondence Course 2020/21, MASS Studio Programme 2021/22, MASS Off Site Programme 2022/23)

‘MASS Studio Programme is an intensive year of talks by an array of inspiring artists, mentoring sessions, challenging reviews, and peer support. It is run in a professional, structured and motivating way by artists for artists. During my time with MASS I have been able to develop my art practice, critical thinking and contextual knowledge alongside investigating new ideas and developing technical sculptural skills with London Sculpture Workshop nearby. Ultimately, MASS Studio Programme puts you in the driving seat for the professional artist you want to be, steering you towards your desired routes for future artistic journeys and adventures.’

–Alex Hegazy (MASS Studio Programme 2021/23)

MASS Studio Programme is led and delivered by the following core team:

Alice Wilson
Annie Cattrell
Kerry Stewart
Ana Genoves
Sophie Newell

Ian Dawson
Nicky Hirst
Marcus Harvey
Helen Hayward

HOW TO APPLY

FAQ

WATCH: PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

MASS SCULPTURE PROGRAMME FAQ

What is MASS Sculpture Programme?

MASS Sculpture Programme is 10 month long programme (mid September - mid July) of mentoring, talks, studio visits and crits aimed at Sculptors across London. Participants make work in and receive mentoring within their own studios. We encourage opportunities to forge connections with peers and visit each others studios as well as coming into MASS HQ (SE15 5NR) for crits and small group sessions.

Where does my studio need to be?

A participant’s studio should be within approximately 1 hour travel by public transport from the Central London (Usually within Zones 1-4), however, we welcome interest from further away. If you are concerned about proximity please contact us before applying.

The studio space itself should be a dedicated studio space, easily accessible and large enough at least to host your mentor for one to one mentoring sessions. Ideally, it will be large enough to also host a small group of four peers and a mentor for group sessions.

If your studio is in a studio share and you don’t have sole occupancy you will need to make sure you can ‘book’ time with your mentor when the studio is quiet and not being used by others. If you have a studio in your home or in a garden studio please make sure it is large enough to host a mentor and ideally a small group of peers.

How is the course structured?

The course is led by the MASS programme leaders and is structured around a standard academic year format, starting in mid September and concluding the following mid July. The structured mentoring aspect spans 33 weeks of the year with winter and spring breaks. Talks and mentoring happen on weekdays. With most talks and Seminars happening on a Friday.

Is there a workshop/technician?

Individuals are required to provide their own materials, and tools to enable them to make work. All artists on the course are able to use our large kiln, which is offered at cost price. A part time studio technician overseas this and can offer technical support for your project. London Sculpture Workshop is also on site at Thames-side Studios and we have a subsided membership with them to enable both technical support and experimentation.

Can I work part-time and still do the course?

We recognise most artists will also have work or family responsibilities, however, we generally recommend our participants to be working in their studios at least 3 days per week. Undertaking the programme is a commitment that shouldn’t be underestimated and we discuss how best to get the most out of the programme with all shortlisted applicants at interview.

How long is the course?

The MASS Studio Programme is one academic year, running from mid September until mid July with an option to continue for a further second or third year.

How do I apply for a second year?

We start to discuss second-year places on an individual basis just after the winter break in February. Second-year places will then be confirmed before we start interviews for new first-year places.

How many times will I see my mentors?

You will see your regular mentors at six times across the year, as well as opportunities to meet visiting artists and guest mentors during residency crits and group sessions.

Who are the mentors?

The mentors are all practising artists at different stages of their career, with their own interests and ideas about sculpture. We publish a list of current mentors across all programmes on our website here.

Can I select my mentor?

No, we look at the cohort each year and select mentors on a case by case basis. However, sometimes an artist will have already worked with a mentor previously in another institution and in this case, we will take this into account.

Will I only see one mentor?

Participants are allocated two mentors. We also bring in a range of visiting speakers and artists who provide additional mentoring opportunities during Crits and Group Sessions as well as input from MASS Programme Leaders, Ian Dawson and Nicky Hirst and Turps Director Marcus Harvey.

Can I request to see my mentor at other times?

The mentors are timetabled for a specific number of visits per year. You and your mentor will be given a window of around a week to arrange your studio visit. If you are unable to see your mentor for unforeseen and unavoidable reasons on a specific day we will do our best to arrange a replacement session with another mentor or with the programme leader.

Where will I see my mentor?

Your mentor will visit you in your studio, they will also conduct group sessions that may take place in the studios of other participants on the programme and lead small group sessions at MASS HQ.

Is there an end of year exhibition?

An end of year show takes place in Thames-side Gallery and MASS HQ. The participants very much take an active role in how the show happens, from designing invitation cards to hosting the opening event and invigilating the space.

What are the fees?

£3,750 for 2026/27

How do I apply?

Please use our online application form accessible while the applications are open. Find out how to apply here.

Do I need to have a degree or relevant qualification?

Some experience in art education is desirable. Many artists apply to Turps/MASS having completed a first or masters degree in fine art, however, we also accept applications from artists who have arrived at their practice from a less conventional path, or via a different degree or career. What is key is an active and dedicated engagement with their practice and an understanding of contemporary discourse around sculpture.

Is the course accredited?

No. MASS Sculpture Programme is not an accredited qualification. We are an independent, not for profit organisation offering practice-based development programmes to practising artists.

Can I apply for funding for this course? Will I be eligible for a student discount?

We are happy to support any funding application. Usually, this will be a letter of support or a letter confirming that you have been accepted onto the course. As MASS is unaccredited, you will not be classified as a student however professional development grants are sometimes available. In general, participants are also not eligible for any student discounts. However, we do from time to time develop agreements with some materials suppliers. MASS participants are eligible to apply to New Contemporaries and other recent graduate prizes.

Do you accept applications from overseas artists?

Yes. We regularly receive and accept applicants from overseas. However we are unable to sponsor Education Visa’s. If you have a concern about Visas and being able to study on the programme please contact us before applying.

English is not my first language, can I still apply?

The programme is delivered in English.

How can I find out more information?

We will be holding an open day in person at MASS HQ on Saturday 21 March 2026. If you would like to register for more information please send your name, email and telephone details to info@turpsbanana.com

HOW TO APPLY

MASS SCULPTURE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026/27 ARE NOW OPEN

Application Deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026 (midnight)

APPLY

How to apply and fees

Application is made annually by completing the online application form below. Please note the application form cannot be part saved, it must be filled in all in one go, so have your CV and images ready beforehand. Applications and application fee must be received before the application deadline. Applications are then reviewed and successful applicants will be shortlisted for interview. Applicants can expect to hear about the outcome of their application within 3 weeks of the deadline. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to interview.

Application Fee is £15. You’ll be directed to a payment link on submission of the application form.

Fees for 2026/27 are £3,750 (optional MASS Studio price on application).

Application Deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026 (midnight).

Interview Notification: After all applications have been reviewed, we aim to send out invitations to interview by mid May.

Interviews: Will take place from June, dates tbc.