Royal College of Art Announces New Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship

The scholarships will be worth £21,000 each, covering tuition fees and contributing to living expenses, and are supported by a donation from the RCA’s own funds. Scholarships will be awarded each year, to support an increasing number of students, and will apply to all areas of the RCA’s postgraduate study—arts and humanities, design, architecture and communication.

‘The College is proud to be committed to establishing a multicultural community which is inclusive for all students and staff, and this scholarship is an important piece of work in growing that community,’ states Dr Paul Thompson, Vice-Chancellor at the RCA. ‘We’re particularly delighted that it can carry Sir Frank Bowling’s name, as one of our most famous alumni, who has himself made such a huge contribution to painting and visual culture internationally.’

Born in British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1934, Bowling arrived in London in 1953, graduating from the Royal College of Art with the silver medal for painting in 1962. ‘Being accepted to The Royal College of Art changed the course of my life,’ says Bowling. ‘It was the first time I had the freedom to do what I wanted to do, and it gave me an opportunity to pursue a career as an artist… I had the most marvellous experience at the College and I’m honoured and delighted that these scholarships will enable further generations of artistic pioneers to reach their full potential.’

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Learn more about the RCA’s scholarship program and commitment to making postgraduate study open to people from all backgrounds.