TURPS | manchester FAQ

What is Turps | Manchester Programme?

Turps Manchester Programme is a year-long programme of mentoring, talks, studio visits and group crits. Participants make work in and receive mentoring within their own studios. We encourage opportunities to create connections with peers and visit each other’s studios as well as programmed talks and group sessions at Oceans Apart in Manchester.

Where does my studio need to be?

It is key for the 2026 programme that applicants can travel to central Manchester for talks and bring work to Oceans Apart for Crits. However we encourage applications from all of the metropolitan boroughs as we hope to develop the programme responding to interest and demand including working with other studio providers as hubs.

The studio space itself should be a dedicated studio space, easily accessible and large enough at least to host your mentor for one to one mentoring sessions. Ideally, it will be large enough to also host a small group of peers for group sessions.

If your studio is in a studio share and you don’t have sole occupancy you will need to make sure you can ‘book’ time with your mentor when the studio is quiet and not being used by others. If you have a studio in your home or in a garden studio please make sure it is large enough to host a mentor and ideally a small group of peers.

How is the course structured?

The course is organised by Turps Education and the lead mentor is Barbara Nicholls. It is structured around a year long format, starting in January and concluding the following December.  It follows the academic terms including a summer/spring breaks in line with school holidays.  Talks will be scheduled approximately monthly from January to November and mentoring spaced throughout the year. All activities will happen on weekdays. The exact timetable will be provided ahead of the start of the programme.

Is there a workshop/technician?

There is no workshop or technical support at Turps. Individuals are required to provide their own materials and tools to enable them to make work.

Can I work part-time and still do the course?

We recognise most painters will have work and/or family responsibilities, however, we generally recommend our painters to be working in their studios at least 3 days per week to get the most out of the course. Undertaking the programme is a commitment that shouldn’t be underestimated and we discuss how best to get the most out of the programme with all shortlisted applicants at interview.

How long is the course?

Turps | Manchester Programme runs from January until December, with a six week break over the Summer holidays and a short spring break.  However, many participants on our courses chose to stay on for a second year.

How do I apply for a second year?

We start to discuss second-year places on an individual basis in the Summer term. Second-year places will then be confirmed before we start an interview for new first-year places.

How many times will I see my mentor?

You will see your regular mentor four times across the year in your studio on a 121 basis.  You will also meet your mentor twice a year with your mentor group.  There are also opportunities to meet visiting artists and guest mentors during crits and group sessions based at Oceans Apart.

Who are the mentors?

The mentors are all practising painters at different stages of their career, with their own interests and ideas about painting. We publish a list of current mentors across all programmes on our website.

Can I select my mentor?

No, we look at the cohort each year and select mentors on a case by case basis. However, sometimes a painter will have already worked with a mentor previously in another institution and in this case, we will take this into account. We also look at geography and accessibility.

Will I only see one mentor? 

Turps | Manchester Programme painters are allocated one main mentor. We also bring in a range of visiting speakers and artists who provide additional input opportunities during crits and group sessions.

Can I request to see my mentor at other times?

The mentors are timetabled for a specific number of visits per year. You and your mentor will be given a window of around two weeks to arrange your studio visit. If you are unable to see your mentor for unforeseen and unavoidable reasons on a specific day we will do our best to arrange a replacement session with another mentor.

Where will I see my mentor?

Your mentor will visit you in your studio, they will also conduct group sessions at a studio complex hub close to you and the other members of your mentor group.

What will happen if Covid returns in the Winter of 2026?

We ran almost two full years of programmes through the pandemic and we have developed a range of different approaches depending on the different levels or tiers of restrictions.

Our main aim is to continue to provide a structured year of mentoring to support your practice and connect you with a group of peers who will also support your progress and you theirs.

During the Pandemic, we have done this by conducting one to one mentoring live when restrictions allow and moving mentoring quickly and effectively online when necessary. We have worked with painters to ensure their studios are Covid Safe for visits when restrictions allow. We have adapted the mentoring sessions to enable the best possible online experience that is still relevant to your practice including discussions around how to photograph and present work in this new format. We have broken down group sessions into smaller groups and utilised larger studio spaces where social distancing is more possible than some individual studios. We are also innovating online forums and platforms to provide extra content and new approaches to discussing work. Including regular talks and meetups as larger groups online and smaller crit groups modelled on our very successful Correspondence Course. One of the greatest benefits of the Off Site programme has been that participants studios are usually close to home and within walking or cycling distance, and so have been able to continue to make work and develop their practice. We will discuss all these adaptations and how and when they would be relevant to you if you are shortlisted for interview.

Is there an end of year exhibition?

We are keen to explore opportunities for the cohort to show work at a location in Manchester towards the end of the programme. More info to follow.

What are the fees?

The 2026 fee is £2,950.

How do I apply?

The applications are made through an online form. To apply click here.

Do I need to have a degree or relevant qualification?

Some experience in art education is desirable. Many painters apply to Turps having completed a first or masters degree in fine art, however, we also accept applications from painters who have arrived at their practice from a less conventional path, or via a different degree or career. What is key is an active and dedicated engagement in their practice, an interest in contributing to the conversation around the work of others, and an understanding of contemporary discourse around painting.

Is the course accredited?

No. Turps | Manchester Programme is not an accredited qualification. We are an independent, artist-led organisation offering practice based development programmes to practising artists.

Can I apply for funding for this course?  Will I be eligible for a student discount?

We are happy to support any application for funding. Usually, this will be a letter of support or a letter confirming that you have been accepted onto the course. As Turps is unaccredited, you will not be classified as a student however professional development grants are sometimes available. In general, Turps painters are also not eligible for any student discounts. However, we do from time to time develop agreements with some materials suppliers.

English is not my first language, can I still apply?

Yes, however, the programme is delivered in English.

How can I find out more information?

Please email manchester@turpseducation.com with any further questions.