Sarabande

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (35 selected from 450+ applicants in recent cycle = ~8%)
• Decision Time: 8-9 weeks (applications close August 1st, decisions October 1st)
• Grant Range: Studio residencies £50-£350/month (£1 per sq ft); Scholarships £8,000-£31,360
• Geographic Focus: London-based, UK artists (right to work in UK required)

Contact Details

Address: 22 Hertford Road, Haggerston, London N1 5SH

Phone: 020 3814 8634

Email: info@sarabandefoundation.org

Website: www.sarabandefoundation.org

Pre-Application Support: Questions about the studio residency application process can be sent to info@sarabandefoundation.org. For scholarship applications, students must contact their course leader as direct applications are not accepted.

Overview

SARABANDE Foundation (registered charity 1153464) was established in 2006 by the late fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen CBE to support the next generation of fearless creatives. The foundation operates from a listed Stable Block conversion in Haggerston and two Grade II listed Georgian townhouses in Tottenham, providing 30 studios that form a creative community for designers and artists from multiple disciplines. Since opening the studios in 2015, SARABANDE has supported over 280 artists and designers with unique practices and backgrounds through heavily subsidised studio space (priced at just £1 per square foot per month), bursaries, mentoring, and a pioneering public programme of events. The foundation has nurtured several award-winning designers including Craig Green (three-time Menswear Designer of the Year), Molly Goddard, Bianca Saunders, and Stefan Cooke. Under the leadership of founding trustee and CEO Trino Verkade (McQueen's first employee), SARABANDE operates on founding principles of uniqueness of vision, craft, quality, creativity, and passion.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Studio Residencies (Rolling Applications)

• Amount: £50-£350 per month (studios range from 50-350 square feet at £1/sq ft/month)
• Duration: Up to 2 years
• Includes: All utilities, use of communal spaces and equipment, free professional services, business mentoring, pro-bono support from expert accountants and lawyers, networking opportunities, press and marketing assistance, free use of exhibition spaces, and access to all foundation events
• Application Method: Online portal at sarabandefoundation.org/en-us/pages/studio-applications
• Annual Deadline: Applications close August 1st, interviews begin immediately, decisions notified October 1st, residencies start November

University Scholarships (Fixed Deadlines - Contact Course Leaders)

Central Saint Martins BA Fashion Scholarship:

• Amount: £8,000 per year (£24,000 total over 3 years excluding placement year) for living expenses and course costs
• Additional Benefits: Full maintenance grant, access to Sarabande studios post-graduation, mentoring from industry experts and Sarabande patrons

Central Saint Martins MA Fashion Scholarship:

• Amount: £15,360 towards tuition fees + £16,000 towards course costs and living expenses (total £31,360)
• Additional Benefits: Full tuition coverage and maintenance grant, access to Sarabande studios, interaction with Sarabande patrons

Slade School of Fine Art Scholarship (MA/MFA):

• Amount: Full UK fees (£14,100+ per year) + £16,000 maintenance over 2 years (total £44,200+ at 2024/25 rates)
• Additional Benefits: Studio space at Sarabande HQ, access to creative industry experts
• Selection Criteria: Financial need and academic merit

Slade School of Fine Art Fund for Emerging Artists:

• Amount: Grant for final year BA or MA students to realise project elements previously out of reach
• Purpose: Helps students complete parts of their final year projects

Priority Areas

SARABANDE's support is not limited by art form, medium, or discipline. The foundation has supported artists and designers across multiple disciplines including:

• Sculptors, painters, and fine artists
• Fashion designers and costume designers
• Jewellers and silversmiths
• Textile designers and ceramicists
• Performance artists and dancers
• Filmmakers, animators, and photographers
• Digital designers and visual artists

Key Selection Criteria:

• Unique vision and originality
• Exceptional craft and execution
• Creative fearlessness
• Dedication to practice
• Quality and passion
• Artists who don't necessarily fit commercial moulds

What They Don't Fund

• Artists without UK address or right to work in UK (foundation does not sponsor visas for studio residencies)
• Commercial fashion week-focused designers (though some fashion designers are supported)
• Projects outside the visual and performing arts

Ready to write a winning application for Sarabande?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

CEO and Founding Trustee: Trino Verkade

Trino Verkade was Lee Alexander McQueen's first employee when he started his brand in London in 1992, working with him until his death in 2010. She held multiple senior positions at Alexander McQueen from 1994-2012, including managing director. McQueen appointed her as a founding trustee in 2006, and she became CEO of SARABANDE in 2017. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded from one location to two, supporting hundreds of artists.

Key Leadership Quotes:

On selection philosophy: “We are careful not to focus on who we think is going to be the next big name, and rather stick to the values of Sarabande, which is to support those who have a unique vision, and a splattering of craft.”

On diversity and access: “We want everybody to have the right to go to college if they can, from all different backgrounds, not just people with the financial means... We need people from all different backgrounds to be in our pipeline.”

On supporting unconventional talent: “We love the in-between designers that do not fit the fashion week mould.”

On patience in creative development: "It always takes time, which is something I often tell the designers here: don't rush".

On career building: "You can still build a career in any industry if you apply yourself and if you know what you're doing; if you learn and pay attention to the people around you."

Governance: SARABANDE is a registered CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) with the Charity Commission. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. The foundation operates with a small team of six full-time staff.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Studio Residencies:

• Online application portal: sarabandefoundation.org/en-us/pages/studio-applications
• Application includes portfolio submission and statement of intent
• Rolling applications with annual deadline August 1st
• Questions: info@sarabandefoundation.org

University Scholarships:

• Students must contact their course leader for application information
• SARABANDE cannot accept direct applications
• Applications only available for listed partner universities (Central Saint Martins, Slade School of Fine Art)

Decision Timeline

Studio Residencies:

• Applications close: August 1st
• Interview process begins: Immediately after August 1st
• Decisions notified: October 1st
• Residencies begin: November 11th
• Total timeline: 8-9 weeks from deadline to decision

Scholarships:

• Timelines vary by institution; contact course leaders for specific dates

Success Rates

Studio Residencies: In the most recent expansion cycle, 35 emerging creatives were selected from more than 450 applicants, representing approximately an 8% success rate. This demonstrates the highly competitive and prestigious nature of the programme.

Overall Impact: To date, SARABANDE has supported over 280 artists and designers, with tens of thousands more supported through their public programme of events.

Reapplication Policy

Previous applicants are welcome to reapply for studio residencies. There are no stated restrictions or mandatory waiting periods between applications. The foundation acknowledges that many artists have felt intimidated or ill-prepared to apply initially, but encourages reapplication.

Application Success Factors

What SARABANDE Values Most

Unique Vision Over Commercial Success:

Trino Verkade explicitly states: “They look for artists with a very unique vision (not necessarily a commercial point of view) and execution of their craft at the highest level.” The foundation intentionally supports "designers and artists who are doing something unique that perhaps can't be scaled."

Craft and Execution:

Exceptional execution of craft is critical. Verkade describes this as “a splattering of craft” combined with unique vision. The foundation values quality and technical excellence.

Creative Fearlessness:

Named after McQueen's Spring/Summer 2007 show, SARABANDE was conceived to help artists with great talent and vision thrive against the odds. The foundation seeks “creatively fearless minds of the future” who “dare to challenge the status quo.”

Eligibility Requirements

Studio Residencies:

• No age restrictions
• No educational requirements
• Must have UK address and right to work in UK (no visa sponsorship)
• Novel creative practice with exceptional execution

Scholarships:

• Financial need and academic merit for Slade scholarships
• “Abundance of talent” and “strong drive to succeed” for fashion scholarships
• “Raw, original talent” required
• Unable to finance studies independently

Recent Successful Artists

Notable SARABANDE alumni demonstrate the diversity and quality the foundation seeks:

• Craig Green - Three-time Menswear Designer of the Year with global recognition
• Molly Goddard - Award-winning fashion designer
• Bianca Saunders - Successful menswear designer
• Stefan Cooke - Award-winning designer
• Auroboros - Fashion design duo
• Michaela Yearwood-Dan - Painter (now at Marianne Boesky Gallery)
• Castro Smith - Engraver and jeweller
• Emily Francis Barrett - Jeweller
• Sam Rock - Photographer

Direct Advice from the Foundation

Don't Self-Select Out: Many successful artists initially felt “intimidated or ill-prepared to apply” but found SARABANDE was “the right place for their creative careers to be supported.” The foundation encourages applications even from those who feel uncertain.

Focus on Your Unique Voice: The foundation is not looking for the “next big name” or commercial fashion stars. They value artists who work “in a different way” and don't “fit the fashion week mould.”

Demonstrate Craft Excellence: While unique vision is essential, it must be matched with exceptional technical execution and quality.

Be Patient: As Verkade advises current residents: "don't rush." The foundation values sustainable creative development over rapid commercial success.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Emphasize Uniqueness Over Commerciality: SARABANDE actively seeks artists who don't fit conventional commercial moulds. Applications should highlight unique vision and unconventional approaches rather than commercial viability or scalability.

1. Demonstrate Exceptional Craft: Technical excellence and quality of execution are non-negotiable. Portfolio must show the highest level of craft in your medium.

1. Show Creative Fearlessness: The foundation's DNA comes from McQueen's fearless approach to creativity. Applications should demonstrate boldness, risk-taking, and challenging the status quo.

1. UK Presence Essential for Studios: For studio residencies, you must have UK address and right to work. Plan accordingly as no visa sponsorship is available.

1. Highly Competitive but Reapplication Welcome: With ~8% success rate, expect strong competition. However, previous unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply without restrictions.

1. Financial Need Matters for Scholarships: University scholarships prioritize financial need alongside merit. Be prepared to demonstrate inability to self-finance studies.

1. Build Relationships Through Events: SARABANDE runs extensive public programming. Attending events and engaging with the community before applying can provide valuable insight and connections.

References

1. Charity Commission Register - SARABANDE (Charity 1153464): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5040345

1. SARABANDE Foundation Official Website - Studio Applications: https://sarabandefoundation.org/en-us/pages/studio-applications

1. SARABANDE Foundation - Studio Residencies & Scholarships: https://sarabandefoundation.org/pages/studio-residencies-scholarships

1. 10 Magazine - “Ten Meets Trino Verkade, The Visionary Force Leading The Sarabande Foundation”: https://10magazine.com/trino-verkade-sarabande-foundation-10-plus-issue-6/

1. The Wick Culture - “Interview Trino Verkade, Sarabande Foundation founding trustee”: https://thewickculture.com/monday-muse-interview-trino-verkade-sarabande-foundation-founding-trustee/

1. ArtRabbit - "Nurturing Tomorrow's Art Stars: Inside Sarabande Foundation": https://www.artrabbit.com/network/features/2024/july/nurturing-tomorrows-art-stars-inside-sarabande-foundation

1. Central Saint Martins UAL - Sarabande MA Fashion Scholarship: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/scholarships-search/sarabande-foundation-scholarship

1. Central Saint Martins UAL - Sarabande BA Fashion Scholarship: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/fees-and-funding/scholarships-search/the-sarabande-scholarship

1. UCL Slade School of Fine Art - MA/MFA Funding: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/slade/study/fees-and-funding/ma-mfa-funding/

1. Fashionista - "How Trino Verkade Went From Lee McQueen's First Employee to Leading His Foundation": https://fashionista.com/2024/04/trino-verkade-lee-alexander-mcqueen-sarabande-career-interview

1. 10 Magazine - "Inside The Sarabande Foundation's New Tottenham Studios": https://10magazine.com/inside-the-sarabande-foundations-new-tottenham-studios/

1. The Luxury Channel - "Sarabande: Trino Verkade on Alexander McQueen's Life Changing Legacy": https://theluxurychannel.com/style/trino-verkade-sarabande/