Programme Bursaries

We are now accepting bursary applications for Autumn 2026.

Low Income Bursaries

This year, we are thrilled to offer a number of 50% bursaries to successful applicants.

Awarded artists must show commitment to their practice and the programmes, and be an ambassador for Newlyn School of Art.

You will be asked for evidence of household income following submission.

View Programmes here.

Eligibility

• Artists must provide information about their household financial situation and any other current funding
• Artists must demonstrate how the award will ‘make the difference’ for you.
• Artists must demonstrate their commitment to their practice and studies. 

Consideration will be based on financial need, engagement with the programme, plans and personal commitment as demonstrated by your application.  

All bursary offers are subject to Terms and Conditions. Students who are offered a bursary will be asked to sign an acceptance form. Bursaries cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers. 

Toby O'Brien Foundation

The Toby O’Brien Bursary covers full tuition fees for one emerging artist, aged 18-35, to take part in the Newlyn School of Art Mentoring Programme, AGORA.

This bursary is applicable to the AGORA Mentoring Programme only, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers.

Toby O'Brien

Toby O'Brien was a remarkable person and a talented artist.

He completed our Mentoring Programme in 2018 and felt it enabled him to forge his vision and career with confidence, utilising the network the programme provided.

In 2020, he had a highly acclaimed solo show at Tremenheere Sculpture Garden Gallery.

In 2022, Toby passed away after a long fight with cancer. It was his wish that the proceeds from his final sell-out show would fund a young artist each year to benefit from the support and community provided by the Mentoring Programme at Newlyn School of Art.  

Applications 

Applicants are required to submit images of recent work and a covering letter detailing why they'd like to take part in the AGORA Mentoring Programme. 

We will arrange an informal interview with all shortlisted artists, in-person at the school or online, depending on each applicant's circumstances.  

This ongoing bursary has been generously made possible by the O'Brien family and the very many donations made to the Toby O'Brien Foundation, together with financial support from the Newlyn School of Art Bursaries scheme. 

If you would like to support an emerging artist either through the Newlyn School of Art Bursaries Scheme or to The Toby O’Brien Foundation, please visit our Donations page

How to Apply

submit an application below, and select the Toby O'Brien Bursary when prompted. Bursaries cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers.