Applications are now open and close on Tuesday, October 27
Date: 7 October 2026
London Metropolitan University will offer £10,000 to two graduates from the School of Art, Architecture and Design to assist them at the beginning of their arts careers.
The School has secured funding for the next four years from The Worshipful Company of Mercers through The Mercers’ Art Awards (MAA), which provide grants to support people at the start of their careers.
The Worshipful Company of Mercers is among the oldest of London’s famous ‘livery companies’ and has a history dating back 700 years. Philanthropy is at the core of the Company’s work, including the support of vulnerable communities, young people and education.
The art awards are given to institutions that train people for a career in the arts or crafts with a postgraduate course or a higher-level vocational route.
Applicant criteria
To meet the criteria for the grant, you must be:
a) Graduating from a bachelor’s or master’s course and entering the first year of your career as a professional within the arts sector;
b) Graduating from a course and planning a career in Textiles or Visual Arts
c) From an ethnic minority or disadvantaged background
On the grant, Deputy Dean Kaye Newman said:
“We are so excited to offer this opportunity to our graduates. It was a privilege to be invited by The Mercers’ Company to apply for this award and we are proud to have negotiated new criteria for the award to include our bachelor’s graduates as well as our master’s graduates.
“We encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply, as the financial support can help with workshop fees and materials that will make a huge difference to your future career."
Applications are now open and close on Tuesday, October 27. If you experience any issues with the application form, please contact k.newman@londonmet.ac.uk.
Further information
Awards can be used for any expenses the recipient encounters whilst establishing their career, to assist and support them in being a professional in their field. This includes studio rental, purchases of tools and materials, further tuition and training fees, and living costs.
The successful applicants work will also align with the wider ethos of the Mercers’ Philanthropy Framework, which is to enable people to reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
The successful applicant will propose a rationale for three impact indicators relevant in measuring success over the grant period including improving people’s lives, strengthening organisations and contributing to societal change.
