In 2023, the inaugural £5,000 NEAC Artist Scholarship was awarded to Rae Birch Carter who was carefully selected from an impressive shortlist. Two additional Scholars, Polly Smedley and Owain Hunt, each received a £250 award. As their Scholarship years draw to a close, to make way for a new intake (applications now open), Rae, Polly and Owain share their experiences . . .
RAE BIRCH CARTER
Rae Birch Carter, 'Sunday in the Life Room'
“It was a great confidence boost to be awarded such a special opportunity, and it’s been a real privilege to visit NEAC painters in their studios and to receive advice and support from them. I’ve had lots of conversations about painting along the way, and those discussions have opened up ideas and influenced my practice.
“The award enabled me to have a studio space and allowed me precious time there.
Previously I had only been able to make my drawings and paintings in the evenings after work, but the Scholarship allowed me to have some full days of studio time; time to dedicate to experimentation and exploration. To be able to dive in, immerse myself completely, lose track of time . . . Those precious days were so valuable in helping me move forward in my practice and I feel extremely lucky to have had them.
“I’ve learnt so much, and made connections and friendships that will hopefully continue long after the Scholarship year ends. Thank you NEAC. It’s been a really wonderful experience.”
OWAIN HUNT
Owain Hunt, 'Reflection Unclothed II'
“The NEAC Artist Scholarship has been an excellent opportunity to develop areas of my practice that had felt less refined and rawer prior. From one-to-one studio visits, workshops and being part of an artistic community more broadly, the experience has granted me invaluable space for shifting my perspectives; all the artists I have met have helped me approach my work in a novel way, pulling the thread on nascent ideas and developing diverse ways of thinking.
"Yet they have done so in a way that fits within my own practice and how I wish to work. It is this – the sensitivity with which you are encouraged to experiment, to self-reflect and self- direct the Scholarship, while being shown respect and interest in your own studio practice – that has made the year tremendously helpful. It is certainly the case that you get back what you put in and I would encourage anyone who is working seriously (or wants to) to consider applying."
POLLY SMEDLEY
Polly Smedley, 'Dad Looking Downwards'
“I’m a self-taught artist, starting my painting life in 2020. I’m delighted to have been
introduced to the NEAC, an art society that feels something like a creative home for me. As a result of this, being awarded the NEAC Scholarship has not only been an incredible privilege and catalyst to my artistic life, but an accolade that I could only have dreamed of receiving.
“Over the past year, I’ve found the most valuable experiences have been the occasions
spent with members of the NEAC who have all welcomed me into their studios and
generously shared their thoughts, discussing the realities of life as an artist. This has given me a much deeper and more vivid awareness of the artistic life, as well as practical insights on how to progress my own work.
“Now, having come to the end of the year’s Scholarship, I am leaving with more confidence in my work, and in myself. I have also found enormous support from fellow Scholars. I am immensely thankful to the NEAC for the belief and support you have shown in me.”
Applications for the 2024-25 NEAC £5,000 Scholarships are now open! Early-career artists* working in figurative painting, drawing or original printmaking are invited to apply. The winners will be announced at the opening of our 2024 Annual Exhibition.
We are grateful to Sir David and Lady Sally Clementi who have generously agreed to sponsor the award for the next two years.