What is TEAR?
The Tracey Emin Artist Residency (TEAR) is a free, studio-based art school programme at TKE Studios in Margate. Artists participate in set projects and group critiques alongside a community of professional artists. Over the course of the programme, visiting speakers and professionals provide insight into different aspects of an artist’s working life, and residents are supported in developing their studio work through ongoing mentorship and opportunities to exhibit.
Level and cohort size
TEAR operates at a level comparable to a Masters programme, but there is no formal qualification. For the next cohort, 9 artists will be selected through an open application process.
Who TEAR is for
TEAR 2027 is for painters, particularly those working directly with physical materials. It is not suitable for painters whose work relies on digital technologies.
Applicants must be 21+ (no upper age limit), and you do not need prior qualifications or previous art school study. Applicants who already have degrees (including Masters degrees) are welcome, but must have finished their studies before April 2027. We expect applicants to have a good knowledge of contemporary and historical art references.
We particularly encourage applications from disabled artists and from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, who remain under-represented in the cultural sector.
What we look for
Overall, we are looking for talented, determined artists who are:
Motivated
Determined
Ready to accept and listen to critique
Ready to act on critique and push themselves
Not afraid to participate
Able to express their thoughts and opinions
Able to contribute to a group, inside and outside the studio
Generous to others and able to take part in discussions
Important note on gallery representation
TEAR is designed to support artists at a stage where they can fully take part in the programme and its opportunities. Applicants must not already be represented by a gallery.