The context for Below Zero

Below Zero, the unique UK based contemporary art prize for Finnish artists emerging on the international scene, returns to Beaconsfield London in association with the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland. For 2023 we are excited to announce our collaboration with Serlachius Museums, which are amongst Finland’s most important cultural institutions.

The Below Zero award includes

●  2023 residency and exhibition mentored by Beaconsfield with production costs of up to £15,000 and including artist’s fee/accommodation/subsistence/travel costs

●  2024 solo exhibition of the Below Zero commission at Serlachius Museums, Finland.

The Prize

The Below Zero prize is open to Finnish artists who have studied to degree level either in Finland or the UK and may be resident anywhere in the world. Selection is focused on artists who the jury feel would most benefit from a major UK commission and its solo exhibition in Finland.

The Selection Process

Artists are invited to submit a project proposal, not more than 1000 words in length, together with a CV and up to twelve visual components that may include still images, video and audio-works.  
Applicants should write a proposal for a new project to be developed in residence with Beaconsfield for public exhibition. The documentation supporting this proposal can show examples of previous works, and can include sketch ideas for the proposed project. Due to the condensed period of the residency it is fine to use ongoing research for your proposal, however you will need to demonstrate its relevance for the prize.

Below Zero 2023 Jury

David Crawforth, Co-director Beaconsfield London, Karoliina Korpilahti, Programme Director Arts, Finnish Institute UK+Ireland, Naomi Siderfin, Co-director, Beaconsfield London, Pauli Sivonen, Director, Serlachius Museums, Hannele Tilles, Independent Curator.

From the initial proposals, a shortlist of up to five artists will be selected by the jury. The shortlisted artists will be asked to develop their proposals over the period of a month, for a fee of £500. Interviews will establish the winner of the award. All shortlisted artists will be represented in the Below Zero catalogue.

The Residency

The winning artist is invited to work within Beaconsfield’s tradition of outward facing, public residency. We encourage artists to respond to the unique physical character of the venue and the distinctive creative identity of Beaconsfield. The winning artist is invited to use Beaconsfield’s Upper Space as a studio to develop new work, supported with mentoring by Beaconsfield’s founding artist-directors David Crawforth and Naomi Siderfin. During the Making Phase of the residency, the studio/gallery will be open to visitors on advertised days. During the Exhibition Phase, either the Upper Space or Arch Space will be available to show the commission. The prize will include a budget for travel, exhibition materials, accommodation and daily subsistence.

A catalogue will be published to celebrate the prize.


To start your application fill in the form below. By pressing the Save Draft box at the bottom of the main application page you can save your draft and return to complete your application by the deadline of 16:00 (UK time) on the 11 April 2022.


Only press the Submit box at the bottom of the main application page when you have finalised your application. Once submitted you cannot return to the form or make any further changes.


Please note - we accept applications in English only.