NEXT TEAR
APRIL 2027 - JULY 2028
Image credit + copyright Elissa Cray
How to Apply :
Please carefully read through the information to consider whether the programme is right for you before applying.
TEAR is an art school programme for PAINTERS only.
All applications must be submitted using the correct format within the application form
We receive a large number of applications. To make the selection process fair and consistent, every applicant submits their materials using the same application template.
Once you start the application process, you will need to submit all of the following:
10 - 15 images of recent work
Images should depict your current painting and give a clear sense of where your work stands. A photo that shows scale can help too, for example, standing next to the painting. Photos should be in focus and as clear as possible.
Before adding a caption, make sure there's white space below the photo. Don't write directly over the image. If the photo doesn't already have blank space at the bottom, add a white strip below it first, then add the caption on top of that.
Add the title, year, size, and materials as a text caption in that white space below the photo.
Save each finished image as a JPG or PNG before uploading.
Canva (free) — canva.com(Easiest to get right)
Create a design taller than the photo, upload the photo, and place it at the top.
Fill the space below it white.
Add a text box in that white space.
Type title, year, size, materials.
Download as JPG or PNG.
PowerPoint / Keynote — if already installed
Insert the photo onto a slide, leaving blank space below it.
Add a text box in that blank space (not over the photo).
Type title, year, size, materials.
Right-click, save as picture.
Preparing Your Application:
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. No more than 3 minutes.
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. No more than 3 minutes.
Uploading your videos
Upload both videos to Vimeo (a free account works fine). Set each one to "Private" with a password.
Don't want to use Vimeo? Dropbox works too, as long as your account lets you add a password to a shared link (usually a paid feature). Google Drive and OneDrive links are fine as well, just set them to "Anyone with the link can view" since we can't request access individually.
The application form will ask you to ‘provide access information for your videos’ - please write your password here.
Keep your links live until end of November 2026. If a link expires or breaks before then, we might not be able to consider your application.
The application form will ask you to provide access information for your videos - please write your password here.
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 older artists, disabled artists and those 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.
The application will require you to state how you think you will meet the criteria to gain the appropriate visa so it is essential you research this in detail.
Please also consider the costs involved in moving to the UK for 15 months - please read this section carefully
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
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.
If you are UK-Based we strongly recommend that you visit the current TEARS Final Show at TKE Studios. This is available to view every weekend until 31st August.
Application Timeline:
Applications open: Tuesday 21 July 2026
Applications close: 4 September 2026, 5pm
Interviews: October / November 2026
Programme begins: April 2027
Programme completes: Early July 2028
We encourage you to spend time on your application; there is no advantage in applying early. Applications are not considered before the closing date.
Please be patient as we receive high volumes of applications and we will make our shortlist in October 2026.
Please note that we are unable to give feedback on your application for those who are not shortlisted.
TEAR asks for time, focus and openness. Each Tear is provided with an individual studio within a larger space. It is an intense environment and you must be comfortable with working closely with others over 15 months, sharing ideas, conversations and challenges as work develops. You must be generous in spirit, be able to work in a group setting and welcome many external visitors to your studio. You will be set small projects throughout but you must be a motivated individual who is confident about pushing your work using your own initiative.
We encourage you to take time to consider whether this structure and environment feel right for you.