Applications open for the Samuel Ross Black British Artist Grant Programme 2022

The 2022 grants are the fourth instalment of the Black British Artist Grant Programme founded by Samuel Ross, A-COLD-WALL* & SR_A Founder, to support, identify and recognise exceptional talent.

The programme’s central focus remains increasing access, visibility and integration across the creative industries for those from marginalised communities, with specific focus placed on industrial design, graphic design, fine art, furniture, sculpture and fashion – areas where opportunity has been historically scarce for the Black British community.

The grant is implemented via two pillars of support: financial assistance in the form of a £2,500 grant and organic mentorship to ensure that talent are able to navigate their chosen industries with the necessary tools and strategies to propel them over the long-term. Applications are now open and close on 29 August 2022.

Since its inception in 2020, the Black British Artist Grant Programme has reached 30 young artists, designers and business owners including Mac Collins (Furniture Design), Ronan Mckenzie (Photography) and Dominique PetiteFrère (Architecture). In recognition of work needed to address social issues beyond the creative sector, the programme has also donated directly to civil rights organisations such as BLM UK.

Grant recipients are selected on the basis of exceptional talent, creativity and vision within their practice and applicants are reviewed by the grant’s advisory board, led by Samuel Ross. For 2022, Grace Wales Bonner, founder and artistic director of Wales Bonner, and Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, art historian, broadcaster and director of V&A East join the board which also includes RCA Vice-Chancellor Dr Paul Thompson. The RCA is proud to partner the programme with the Design Museum, V&A, University of Westminster and the British Fashion Council.