MASS SCULPTURE PROGRAMME FAQ

What is MASS Sculpture Programme?

MASS Sculpture Programme is 10 month long programme 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 Hub (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 1-3), however, we welcome interest from slightly 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 September and concluding the following June 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?

There are no workshops or technicians at MASS Hub. Individuals are required to provide their own materials, and tools to enable them to make work. London Sculpture Workshop is on site at Thamesside 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 September until June with an option to continue for a further 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 an interview for new first-year places.

How many times will I see my mentors?

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

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 Hub.

What will happen if Covid returns in the Winter of 2023?

We have now run almost a year of programmes through the pandemic and we have developed a range of different approaches depending on the different levels or tiers of restrictions.

Our main aim is to continue to provide a structured year of mentoring to support your practice and connect you with a group of peers who will also support your progress and each others.

During the Pandemic, we have done this by conducting one to one mentoring live when restrictions allow and moving mentoring quickly and effectively online when necessary. We have worked with participants to ensure their studios are Covid Safe for visits when restrictions allow. We have adapted the mentoring sessions to enable the best possible online experience that is still relevant to your practice including discussions around how to photograph and present work in this new format. We have broken down group sessions into smaller groups and utilised Turps Gallery where social distancing is more possible than some individual studios. We are also innovating online forums and platforms to provide extra content and new approaches to discussing work. Including regular talks and meetups as larger groups online and smaller crit groups modelled on our very successful Correspondence Course. One of the greatest benefits of the Off-Site programme has been that participants studios are usually close to home and within walking or cycling distance, and so have been able to continue to make work and develop their practice. We will discuss all these adaptations and how and when they would be relevant to you if you are shortlisted for an interview.

Is there an end of year exhibition?

In previous years we have always tried to present a celebration show of works by leaving artist. Most recently this has taken place during the Summer transition between academic years and the leaving 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?

£3000 for 2024/25..

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.

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 more open days online and in person during the year, if you would like to register for more information please send your name, email and telephone details to info@turpsbanana.com