Entries open for RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award (UK)

The RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award 2026 supports photographers in Scotland to develop a new body of still photography work using digital or analogue methods. It provides £5,000 funding for research, development, and production, along with exhibition opportunities and acquisition of a work into the Royal Scottish Academy Permanent Collection. Eligible applicants must have a strong connection to Scotland through birth, study, or residency.

What is the RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award?

The RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award 2026 is a Scottish arts funding award administered by the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA). It supports artists working in still photography to create a new photographic project from concept to completion.

The award is designed to:

• Fund new photographic research and production
• Support artistic development in still photography
• Provide exhibition opportunities at the Royal Scottish Academy
• Contribute to Scotland’s contemporary photography archive

Key Objectives of the Award

The award focuses on advancing photographic practice by:

Artistic Development

• Supporting creation of a new body of photographic work
• Encouraging experimentation in digital and analogue photography
• Enabling research-driven creative projects

Professional Recognition

• Offering exhibition opportunities at the RSA
• Including selected works in a public exhibition alongside other award recipients

Legacy and Collection Building

• Acquisition of one representative artwork into the RSA Permanent Collection
• Long-term preservation of contemporary Scottish photography

What the Award Provides

Successful applicants receive:

• £5,000 funding for project development
• Research and production support for new photographic work
• Exhibition opportunity at the Royal Scottish Academy
• Inclusion in a group exhibition with other RSA award winners
• Acquisition of one artwork into the RSA Permanent Collection

Eligible Art Practices

The award supports:

• Still photography projects
• Digital photography methods
• Analogue photography techniques
• Mixed photographic approaches (digital + analogue)

What the Funding Can Be Used For

The £5,000 award can support:

• Research and concept development
• Photographic production costs
• Equipment use (for project execution, not capital purchase)
• Travel for project development (if relevant)
• Printing and exhibition preparation
• Artistic materials and project-specific expenses

What the Award Does NOT Fund

• Capital grants or equipment purchases
• Ongoing studio overheads unrelated to the project
• Non-project-related personal expenses
• Completed or previously existing work

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

Scottish Connection Requirement

• Born in Scotland, OR
• Studied at a Scottish art school, OR
• Lived in Scotland for at least 3 consecutive years

Artistic Requirement

• Must be an artist working in still photography
• Must use digital and/or analogue photographic methods

Ineligibility

• Undergraduate students are NOT eligible
• Postgraduate students are NOT eligible
• Non-photography-based practices are not eligible

Project Requirements

Applicants must propose:

• A new and original photography project
• A clear research and development plan
• A timeline leading to completion by November 2027
• A body of work suitable for exhibition

Key Dates and Timeline

• Shortlist presentations: 9 November 2026
• Winner announcement: End of November 2026
• Project completion deadline: November 2027
• Exhibition: Following year at the Royal Scottish Academy

Selection Process

The award process includes:

Stage 1: Application Review

• Assessment of artistic proposal and eligibility
• Shortlisting of candidates

Stage 2: Presentation

• Shortlisted applicants present to adjudicators on 9 November 2026

Stage 3: Final Selection

• Final decision made by adjudication panel (final and binding)

Stage 4: Award and Development

• Funding awarded
• Project development begins

Exhibition and Copyright Terms

Successful applicants agree to:

• Exhibit selected work at the Royal Scottish Academy
• Participate in a group exhibition with other RSA award winners
• Allow RSA to reproduce submitted and completed works for:
  • Publicity
  • Educational purposes
  • Archival/reference use

Copyright Note

• Copyright remains with the artist

Why This Award Matters

The RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award is important because it:

• Supports emerging and established photographic artists
• Encourages innovation in still photography
• Provides financial support for project development
• Offers major exhibition exposure in Scotland
• Contributes to national art collections
• Strengthens Scotland’s contemporary photography landscape

How the Award Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Confirm Scottish connection (birth, study, or residency)
• Ensure you are not a current undergraduate or postgraduate student

Step 2: Develop Project Proposal

Include:

• Concept for new photographic work
• Research plan
• Production approach (digital/analogue methods)
• Timeline and expected outcomes

Step 3: Submit Application

• Apply with full project proposal and supporting materials

Step 4: Shortlisting

• Selected applicants are invited to present their work

Step 5: Presentation (9 November 2026)

• Present project to adjudication panel
• Answer questions about concept and execution

Step 6: Award Decision

• Winner announced by end of November 2026

Step 7: Project Development

• Receive £5,000 funding
• Complete project by November 2027

Step 8: Exhibition and Collection

• Selected works exhibited at RSA
• One work acquired for permanent collection

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an incomplete or unclear project proposal
• Applying without meeting Scottish eligibility criteria
• Proposing already completed work
• Treating the award as equipment funding
• Weak research or conceptual framework
• Missing student eligibility restrictions

Tips for a Strong Application

• Present a clear, original photographic concept
• Show strong research and artistic intent
• Demonstrate understanding of still photography practice
• Include a realistic production timeline
• Explain how the project will evolve into a cohesive body of work
• Highlight relevance to contemporary photography practice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding amount?

£5,000 per awarded artist.

2. Who can apply?

Photographers with a connection to Scotland (birth, study, or residency).

3. What type of photography is supported?

Still photography using digital and/or analogue methods.

4. Can students apply?

No, undergraduate and postgraduate students are not eligible.

5. What is the project deadline?

Projects must be completed by November 2027.

6. Is the award for equipment purchase?

No, it is not a capital grant.

7. What happens to the artwork?

One work is acquired by the RSA Permanent Collection and selected works are exhibited.

Conclusion

The RSA Elizabeth Lornie Photography Award 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for photographers in Scotland to develop a new body of still photographic work. By providing £5,000 in funding, exhibition opportunities, and inclusion in the Royal Scottish Academy’s Permanent Collection, the award supports artistic innovation, professional development, and the long-term visibility of contemporary photography practice in Scotland.