turps OFF SITE Programme FAQ

What is Turps Off Site Programme?

Turps Off Site Programme is a year-long programme of mentoring talks studio visits and crits run alongside the Turps Studio Programme. Participants make work in and receive mentoring within their own studios rather than taking up residence at Turps Studios. We encourage opportunities to create connections with peers and visit other their studios as well as coming into Turps HQ for crits and small group sessions.

Where does my studio need to be?

A participant’s studio should be within approximately one hour travel by public transport from Turps HQ. If you are concerned about proximity please contact us before applying.

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 and mentor 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 led by Phillip Allen, the Programme Leader, and is structured around a standard academic year format, starting in the autumn and concluding the following summer. The structured mentoring aspect spans 34 weeks of the year with winter and spring breaks. Talks and mentoring happen on weekdays.

Is there a workshop/technician?

There is no workshop or technician 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 or family responsibilities, however, we generally recommend our painters to be working in their studios at least 3 days per week. 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 Off Site Programme is one academic year, running from October until July, however many participants 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 just after the winter break in February. 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 at least six times across the year, you will also have the opportunity to speak to a dedicated secondary mentor twice during the year as well as opportunities to meet visiting artists and guest mentors during crits and group sessions.

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.

Will I only see one mentor? 

Off Site painters are allocated a primary and secondary mentor.  We also bring in a range of visiting speakers and artists who provide additional mentoring opportunities during crits and group sessions as well as input from the Programme Leader Phil Allen and Turps founder Marcus Harvey.

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 a week 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 or with the Programme Leader. 

Where will I see my mentor?

Your mentor will visit you in your studio, they will also conduct group sessions that may take place in the studios of other participants on the programme and lead small group sessions at Turps Gallery.

What will happen if Covid returns in the Winter of 2023?

We have now run almost a year 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 Turps Gallery 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?

Whilst an exhibition is not officially part of the programme, in previous years we have always encouraged a peer-led celebration show of works by leaving painters. More recently we have experimented with including a show element during the programme in April/May time. A chance for all the painters to exhibit together and form closer bonds within the network. The painters very much take an active role in how the show happens, from designing invitation cards to hosting the opening event and invigilating the space.

What are the fees?

The fee for 2025/26 is £3,500.

How do I apply?

We have an online application form. Find out more 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 to their practice and an understanding of contemporary discourse around painting.

Is the course accredited?

No. Turps Off Site Programme is not an accredited qualification. We are an independent, not for profit 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.

Do you accept applications from overseas artists?

Yes. We regularly receive and accept applicants from overseas.

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 info@turpsbanana.com  with any further questions.