NEXT TEAR
APRIL 2027 - JULY 2028
Image credit + copyright Elissa Cray
How to Apply :
Applications for the next Tracey Emin Artist Residency (TEAR) cohort will open in July 2026. This page is intended to help you prepare in advance. We recommend reading through the information below so you have time to gather materials and consider whether the programme is right for you before applications open.
All applications must be submitted using a template provided by TKE Studios once the application period begins.
Preparing Your Application:
TEAR receives a large number of applications each cohort. To make the selection process fair and consistent, every applicant submits their materials using the same application template.
You do not need to complete anything yet, but you may wish to begin preparing the following:
10 - 15 images of recent work
Images should depict your current painting and provide a clear sense of where your work stands. You must include sizes, materials used and titles. An image that helps show scale can be useful - for example, standing next to the painting. Photographs such be in focus and clear as possible
A short artist biography
A maximum 500 word overview of your background and artistic development. We are interested in plain writing rather than complex art language.
CV / RESUME
Including exhibitions, education, residencies, awards or relevant professional experience.
A short video introducing yourself
In this video, we ask you to speak about why you wish to join TEAR and why this programme feels important for you at this stage. This video should be made exclusively for this application - we do not accept videos that have been made for other purposes, such a previous exhibition or application for something else
A sketchbook video
A simple recording showing 20 consecutive pages of a sketchbook. Pages should be shown in order, without editing or rearranging, so we can understand how ideas develop over time.
When applications open, all materials must be uploaded using the official application template. Submissions outside this format cannot be considered.
Eligibility:
TEAR is open to painters only and for those working directly with physical materials. This is not for painters who work with digital technologies.
Applicants must:
Be aged 21 or over
Be able to legally live and work in the UK for the full 15 month programme ( see below for international applicants)
Have completed any current formal study before 1st April 2027
Demonstrate engagement with contemporary and historical art
Must NOT have gallery representation
No formal qualifications are required. Artists may be self taught, returning to painting after time away, or already holding undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
We particularly encourage applications from disabled artists and from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, who we believe are still underrepresented within the arts.
International Applicants:
TEAR is a non-accredited programme and therefore is unable to sponsor visas.
International applicants must either:
1 - Demonstrate that you are currently legally allowed to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme.
2 - Be eligible and willing to apply for routes such as the Global Talent Visa or another appropriate visa category.
Further guidance can be found here. Please read carefully before applying.
Preparing a Strong Application:
The application process helps us understand how you work and how you think about painting.
You may find it helpful to consider:
submitting work that reflects your current direction rather than a broad survey of past work
showing connections between paintings rather than isolated examples
presenting yourself clearly and honestly in the video submissions
using the sketchbook to show experimentation, thinking and development
whether you feel ready for sustained discussion, critique and shared studio working
TEAR is an intensive programme built around participation and commitment to making work alongside others.
Application Timeline:
Applications open: July 2026
Applications close: September 2026
Interviews: October / November 2026
Programme begins: April 2027
Programme completes: Early July 2028
Full submission instructions and access to the application template will appear here once applications open in July ’26. We encourage you to spend time on your application, there is no advantage in applying early. Applications are not considered before the closing date.
Before You Apply:
TEAR asks for time, focus and openness. Residents work closely together over 15 months, sharing ideas, conversations and challenges as their work develops. You must be generous in spirit, be able to work in a group setting and welcome many external visitors to your studio.
We encourage you to take time to consider whether this structure and environment feel right for you.