Royal Society of Sculptors is accepting applications for 2026 Art Commission

  • Award, Competition
  • United Kingdom
  • Fully Funding Type
  • Deadline in 1 month
https://sculptors.org.uk/awards/national-memorial-journalists-frontline
  November 25, 2025

About Opportunity

The internationally recognized UK-based Royal Society of Sculptors, in collaboration with the On The Record memorial trustees, invites artists and sculptors to submit design proposals for a creative and impactful public artwork to be installed at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The commission seeks to create a significant memorial honoring UK and UK-based journalists who lost their lives while reporting in conflict zones, preserving their legacy and emphasizing the enduring importance of free speech and journalistic integrity. Applicants must provide a detailed budget estimate and project proposal. Submissions will be reviewed by an international selection committee, and shortlisted artists will be notified by email for interviews

About Organizer

The Royal Society of Sculptors, founded in 1905, is an artist-led organization dedicated to advancing the art of sculpture and supporting the professional development of sculptors.
Its mission focuses on fostering creative excellence, providing opportunities for artistic growth, and promoting the value of sculpture within contemporary culture. In partnership with the On The Record memorial trustees, the Society has launched an open call to design a memorial for the National Memorial Arboretum.

Details

 

The 2026 selection committee consists:

  • Sarah Sands — Chair of Trustees, On The Record

  • Andrew Baud — Trustee and Founder, On The Record

  • James Irving — Head of Finance and Fundraising, St Bride’s

  • Jon Williams — Trustee, On The Record

  • Andy Ansell — Head of Estates, National Memorial Arboretum

Eligibility:

  • Both emerging and professional UK-based artists and sculptors with experience in nationally and internationally important public commissions can apply for this art competition

Project/event location:

  • Lichfield, U.K

Participation fee:

  • Free of charge

Award/prize: 

The total budget is £550,000 inclusive of:

  • Artist design fee

  • Production, transportation and installation

  • Groundworks and technical support

Application requirements:

The submission closes:

  • 9 January, 2026

Specifications

Opportunity Types
Award, Competition
Event Location
United Kingdom
Deadline
09 January, 2026
Funding Type
Fully
Applicant Country
United Kingdom
Open to
Worldwide