Brighton art graduates given opportunity for work to go under the hammer

The LSM Art Award, now in its third year, will enable two recent graduates from the Class of 2020’s Fine Art Painting and Printmaking courses to benefit from an opportunity to sell work via an auction, take part in a year-long professional development programme and have work exhibited at LSM’s offices in Central London.

Created to provide a valuable professional development opportunity for ten graduates each year from the Schools of Art at the University of Brighton and Kingston University, the LSM Art Award will also grant a participation prize of £500 each and a contribution to travel expenses.

Selected artists will also have the opportunity to win the following prizes:

• £2000 LSM London Staff Prize, which is inclusive of a £1,000 commission, to be discussed and decided on between the winning artist and Liberty Specialty Markets.
• £3000 London Expert Panel Prize.

Duncan Bullen, Deputy Head of the University of Brighton’s School of Art, said: “In the School of Art, we are continually looking for occasions for our students and alumni to participate in professional settings; therefore, I am delighted that the University of Brighton has been selected to be part of the prestigious LSM Art Awards.

“Being selected for this award will be a fantastic opportunity for graduating students from Painting and Printmaking to exhibit their work at the LSM offices in Central London. With the chance to sell their work, receive access to a professional development programme, as well as be in contention for one of the generous prizes offered.”

Matthew Moore, President and Managing Director at LSM, added: “With a significant number of art and design students graduating each year, there is little to no professional development support for those deciding to follow their vocation to be practising artists.

“Artists will be able to take part in a comprehensive professional development programme consisting of one-to-one sessions, practical workshops and the chance to meet leading figures in the industry. Given the current climate, it is vital that we provide this for our artists of the future, now more than ever”

Emma White, Chair of the LSM Art Committee, also added “We are thrilled to be partnering with the University of Brighton as we embark on the third year of the LSM Art Award, and I am delighted that we have adapted the programme to continue running a tailored and meaningful development programme. The committee and I are very much looking forward to seeing the submissions put forward.”

Entry is free and graduates have until 10 September 2020 to apply, with the results announced on 21 September 2020.

To be eligible, graduates will need to meet the following criteria:

1. Must have your work available for exhibition for the period October 2020 to September 2021.
2. Must be prepared to attend at least 80% of the professional development programme which will be c. 16 hours in total between October 2020 and June 2021.
3. Take part in both an entrance and exit confidential interview to manage expectations and to maximise effectiveness of the programme.
4. Artwork must be appropriate and sensitive to a working environment with a significant audience range. There is no size limit or medium requirements.

Find out more information about the LSM Art Award.