TURPS INTENSIVES FAQ

What are the Turps Intensives?

Turps Intensives are a series of new, sharply focused, studio-based programmes for up to 20 painters to work together in a communal studio space at Turps Camberwell in south-east London, starting in Spring 2026. The programme has been developed in response to the success of our 2025 Summer School and the subsequent enquiries from painters to run more Turps short courses.

What is the application process?

Applications are made online, by the deadline, for each round of Intensives. Once we have received all the applications, we will review them and invite shortlisted candidates for an interview. Interviews will take place over Zoom or in person if you can join us in London. The interviews are for us to learn more about your practice and find out why you think the Intensive is a good fit for you. They are informal, and we try to make them as friendly as possible! After interviews, we will offer places or suggest other courses that might be more appropriate.

Does Turps provide accommodation?

No, any participants who do not live in London will need to arrange their own accommodation for the duration of the course. However, we are launching a new initiative, ARTnest, a network of spare rooms and accommodation provided by Turps mentors and alumni to connect participants and hosts, offering short-term accommodation at a reasonable cost. You can ask for more information about ARTnest on the application form.

Where will the programme take place?

Turps Intensives will take place at our new studios, TURPS Camberwell, opening in south-east London, in 2026. The studios are a 10–15 minute walk from major bus routes, connecting Camberwell across London via the Northern Line, Windrush Line, and Overground.

How much space does each painter get in the studios?

Turps Camberwell studios offer over 3,000 sq ft (270sqm) open-plan and communal studios with flexible configuration. With additional talk and crit space and facilities.

How long is the programme?

Turps Intensives last eight weeks. The first programme will start in April 2026. We will be announcing a further programme starting in July.

How are the Intensives structured?

The Intensives are structured to prioritise making work in the studios during the eight weeks, overlaid with a carefully designed programme of one-to-one tutorials, group crits, talks, gallery visits and exhibition planning. The programme culminates in an exhibition and open studios.

How many times will I see my mentor and for how long?

You will see the mentors throughout the programme on different days. One-to-one tutorials last approx 45 minutes. There will also be group discussion days led by mentors and one group crit to conclude the course. Other aspects include a day visiting London galleries, organised and led by the mentors and artist studio visits. There are between two and three contact days per week. The emphasis is on studio practice supported by mentoring.

What happens during the final exhibition and at the end of the programme?

Participating Artists will be involved in discussions with mentors about works to show and how to prepare works for exhibition. And the show will be curated by the mentors. Participating Artists will also be involved in invigilating the exhibition during agreed opening hours and engaging with visitors. There will be an opening event for the public and a closing event for the participants and mentors to reflect on the programme. The exhibition will run for approximately one week and will be professionally documented.
At the end of the programme, participants are responsible for clearing their space by the final day and returning it to the same standard they found it in, including repainting walls and removing all possessions.

Is there a workshop/technician? What materials/equipment is provided?

Turps provides a basic workshop space with benches and a standard tool kit that can be shared between artists. We have a part-time technician who will visit the studios once a week to troubleshoot any technical issues you might have and enable you to resolve them yourself. We also provide a table and chair for each participant. Artists are expected to provide all their own materials and equipment to make work. We can provide details of local and London-based suppliers for art materials. Facilities include broadband and a small kitchen on-site for participants to use.

How many days am I expected to be in the studio? Can I work part-time and still do the Intensive?

The studio is available to access seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and we would expect painters to be working most days between Monday and Friday during the Intensives to get the most out of their time. Participating in the Intensives for eight weeks is a significant commitment. These short programmes offer a very different intensity to our year-long programmes. Please look at all our programmes to find the right fit for you.

What is the fee? Are there any additional costs?

The fee for the 2026 Spring Turps Intensive will be £2,750. No, there are no additional costs apart from the residency fee.