SANE Creative Awards Scheme

SANE has a long association with the arts and for many years held a successful awards scheme providing grants to individuals wishing to further their artistic development.

The SANE Creative Awards Scheme builds on this tradition and presents an opportunity for those affected by mental ill-health, including their families and carers, to take a step towards realising their creative potential.

The scheme was launched in May 2019. It awards grants to individuals to buy materials, enrol on courses, or hold exhibitions.

Pictured: Still Life by Caroline Izzard
Click image to zoom.

The awards are given for proposals in visual art which, for the purposes of the scheme, includes all forms of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, mixed media and digital art.

Proposals to purchase multi-use digital equipment such as smartphones or tablets will not be considered. Materials or equipment should only be used to help further applicants’ artistic goals.

Applicants are judged on their artistic merit, clarity of aim and financial need. Awards range from £100 to £300.

*Please note the Creative Awards Scheme applications are now closed and will reopen later in the year.

Applications are assessed by a panel, which includes representatives of SANE and art professionals from the Open College of the Arts, who offer feedback, guidance and advice.

In the four rounds of the scheme to date, artists have submitted work of outstanding quality and 342 awards have been made. Three award-winners have had their work included in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.

Pictured: Butterfly Gazing by Danny Hessle

SANE is working in partnership on the scheme with the Open College of the Arts.

“People continue to respond to the scheme in a remarkable way, sharing stunning and diverse work along with their poignant personal stories. We are both touched and pleased to see how the scheme has grown in such a short time and the positive impact it is having on award winners’ artistic aspirations.”

Marjorie Wallace CBE, SANE Founder and Chief Executive

Inspirational

A grant from the SANE Creative Awards Scheme can enable those who may not otherwise be able to afford materials, courses or other costs to help fulfil their creative potential.

Pictured: Glastonbury by George Harding
Click image to zoom.

View a brochure showcasing the Creative Awards Scheme (PDF, 9MB).

The Charles Bracken Award

In 2020, SANE established The Charles Bracken Award in honour of Charles Bracken MBE. Charles was a founding Director and recent Chairman of SANE.

This award, which is part of the scheme, is made annually in recognition of exceptional talent in communicating the relationship between creative achievement and mental illness.

Find out more about The Charles Bracken Award.