Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary 2019: Recipient Announced

We are thrilled to announce this year's successful recipient of Shape Arts’ prestigious flagship art award, the Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary, is artist Sophie Hoyle. Sophie will receive a £10,000 bursary and will undertake an accompanying three month residency, hosted by BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art from 4 March - 31 May 2019.

Sophie explores an intersectional approach to post-colonial, queer, feminist, anti-psychiatry and disability issues in their practice, relating their personal experiences of being queer, non-binary and part of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) diaspora to wider forms of structural violence. 

Sophie will utilise the time, space and support to extend their research, creating spaces for exchange and collaboration with local activist groups and disabled artist communities.

Sophie will receive a £10,000 bursary and undertake a three month residency at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art between 4 March - 31 May 2019. The residency will also include the development and delivery of public-facing activities with BALTIC and Shape, and showing work as part of the Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary Shortlist exhibition, in which all artists shortlisted for the award will be given the opportunity to participate.

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. 

Sophie commented: 

“I'm feeling overwhelmed but really excited and looking forward to having time and space to expand on different elements of my practice, and to engage with communities in Gateshead. I feel honoured to have been part of such a great shortlist of artists who I feel are all making really important and urgent work, and look forward to exhibiting with them next year.”

David Hevey, Chief Executive of Shape Arts, comments:

“I am delighted we are supporting Sophie Hoyle with this prestigious award, and am looking forward to seeing what can be achieved with the time, space and resources provided collectively by Shape and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.”

Sarah Munro, Director of BALTIC Centre of Contemporary Art, comments:

“I am thrilled that Sophie Hoyle is the next recipient of the 2019 Adam Reynolds Memorial Bursary and look forward to working with them next year.  It is a joy to open up a dialogue, not only with Sophie, but with the five shortlisted artists who are making a significant contribution to new practice.  The collaboration with Shape recognises and responds to the challenges and barriers that exist for many artists, embedding diversity, inclusivity and care within our institutions.”

For more information, please contact Niamh Hall, Digital, Communications and PR Officer at Shape Arts at [email protected] or +44 (0) 207 424 7358

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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.

Banner Image: Sophie's piece 'Permastress' photographed by Rebecca Lennon

Video: Split screen of 'Permastress'