How to Apply to TEAR
Applications for the next Tracey Emin Artist Residency (TEAR) cohort will open in August 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 images of recent work
Images should depict your current painting and provide a clear sense of where your work stands.
A short artist biography
A maxium 500 word overview of your background and artistic development.
A CV
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.
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.
Professional production quality is not expected. Clear documentation and honest presentation are far more important.
Eligibility
TEAR is open to painters working directly with physical materials.
Applicants must:
Be aged 21 or over
Be able to live and work in the UK for the full 15 month programme
Have completed any current formal study before April 2027
Demonstrate engagement with contemporary and historical art
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 remain underrepresented within the cultural sector.
International Applicants
TEAR is a non-accredited programme and cannot sponsor visas.
International applicants must already be able to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme. This may include eligibility for routes such as the Global Talent Visa or another appropriate visa category.
Further guidance can be found here.
Applications open August 2026
Information on eligibility and application requirements.
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: August 2026
Programme begins: April 2027
Full submission instructions and access to the application template will appear here once applications open.
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.
We encourage you to take time to consider whether this structure and environment feel right for you.