We are thrilled to announce the successful recipient of Shape Arts’ prestigious flagship art award, the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, is sculptor Terence Birch. Terence will receive a £10,000 bursary and will undertake an accompanying three month residency, hosted by Pallant House Gallery and the University of Chichester, from 6 February to 29 April 2018. 

The ARMB, set up in memory of sculptor Adam Reynolds, supports mid-career disabled artists looking to develop their practice and build their profile by offering funds and a three month residency with a high-profile arts venue. Terence Birch was selected as the recipient of the ARMB from a shortlist of five artists by a panel comprising: Fiona Slater, Programme Coordinator at Shape Arts, Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery, Steve McDade, Head of Fine Art at the University of Chichester, and John Gill, Chair of Camden Arts Centre.

Simon Martin tells us that Pallant House Gallery are "inspired by Terence Birch’s unique approach and look forward to seeing his work develop during his time working with the Gallery and University", adding that he sees the ARMB as "an exciting opportunity for everyone to discover new perspectives on our collections and programmes.”

In Terence’s work, elements of class structure, consumer desire and aesthetic prejudice are explored via strategies of restriction, hindrance and limitation. Through puns and word associations, the assemblage of disparate materials and media, and the deliberate placement of ‘obstacles’ or diversions against the reception of the viewer, the overriding lack of certainty in his juxtapositions produces a palpable sense of anxiety. Click here to view his artist profile.

"I am really happy to have been selected for the 2018 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary," Terence tells us, "From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank Shape Arts, Pallant House Gallery and the University of Chichester. It will enable me the security and peace to express myself in a community that encourages individuality, personal responsibility and independence. This is a much needed bursary that believes in people's potential and provides a chance for disabled artists, such as myself, to dream of a future with love and hope - amid the barriers. I eagerly await returning to Chichester in 2018, and look forward to showing work together with the shortlisted artists at Attenborough Arts Centre."

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We welcome donations towards the Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary of any size, and all funds raised will go directly towards sustaining the Bursary, so that artists can focus wholly on the residency opportunity, without distraction. This can include paying for equipment, artist materials or general living costs. Through your support the recipient can dedicate the 3 month period to developing their ideas and practice, and take a significant step towards the realisation of their ambitions. For information on how you can support the ARMB please click here.

For more information, please contact Lulu Nunn, Arts Engagement, PR and Marketing Officer at Shape Arts at [email protected] or +44 (0) 207 424 7351

Banner image: Terence Birch – 'VIRTUOUS CIRCLE...', 2010
Body Image: Terence Birch – 'Portrait of the Artist (after Degas)', 2005