RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Painting Award: Launching August 2026

  • About
    Moyna Flannigan, The House of Many Struggles, painting on canvas, rice paper, collage, 2026

    About

    The RSA Blackadder Houston Mid-Career Painting Award (£20,000) provides an extensive development and production opportunity for a fine art painter.

     

    The aim of this award is to enable a committed painter to devote themselves exclusively to painting for a period of time of up to 26 weeks, which they would otherwise not be able to do, due to other commitments such as employment or caring responsibilities. 

     

    The award is funded by the RSA Blackadder Houston Bequest and administered by the Royal Scottish Academy.

     

     
  • Eligibility

    Elizabeth Blackadder RSA, Still Life with Peruvian Hats

    Eligibility

    • Entrants must be mid-career painters who are at least 15 years out of art school or can demonstrate at least 15 years of substantive practice. Entrants must not currently be studying. 

    • The entrant's practice must be predominantly based in painting, this can be in any medium or subject.
    • Entrants must have been born or are currently living in Scotland (and have been for at least 3 years consecutively).
    • Entrants must be able to devote themselves exclusively to painting for up to 26 weeks; for example, by taking a sabbatical from employment, or by taking a break from caring responsibilities.

     

    How to apply

     

     Apply  Contact Us
  • Previous Winners
    Robbie Bushe RSA, The Mound

    Previous Winners

    • Moyna Flannigan, 2024
    • Robbie Bushe RSA, 2023
  • Banner image: Moyna Flannigan, Tear, distemper on canvas