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The Linbury Prize strives to give emerging designers the best possible start to a sustainable career in stage design.
Twelve Prize Recipients will be selected to take part in an exhibition at the National Theatre – an unparalleled opportunity for designers to showcase their work before the public and industry wide professionals.
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In addition, Prize Recipients will receive an associate designer placement with an established practitioner. This provides emerging designers with a supportive transition into a professional practice.
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Prize recipients will receive a £6000 bursary to support their placement.
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Submissions and judging will initially take place online, with shortlisted candidates subsequently invited to in-person interviews.
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The Linbury Prize for Stage Design is funded entirely by The Linbury Trust, a charitable trust founded in 1973 by Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG (John Sainsbury) and his wife Anya, Lady Anya Sainsbury, CBE, the former ballerina Anya Linden. The name ‘Linbury’ is thus derived from the names Linden and Sainsbury.
THE LINBURY PRIZE FOR STAGE DESIGN 2025​
‘It was such a thrill to be selected alongside many incredible young designers and artists. The process allowed me to reflect on my work, experiences, and personal growth as a young designer, and at the same time strengthen my resolve to continue down this path.’
Peiyao Wang,
Linbury Prize Recipient 2023
2025 TIMELINE
May - Nationwide design mentoring sessions
(see below for more information)
Tuesday 1 July - Applications open
Monday 1 September - Applications close
September - online judging followed by in-person interviews for shortlisted candidates
Monday 1 December - Linbury Prize exhibition opens
“Being part of the Linbury Prize led to opportunities to work as an Associate to wonderful designers. I learned so much in a relatively short space of time and feel like I had the best start in the industry to build from.”
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Debbie Duru,
Linbury Prize Committee Member and 2019 Finalist
​MENTORING SESSIONS
We will be holding nationwide design drop-in sessions to kick off the 2025 Linbury Prize programme.
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Thursday 1 May - Nottingham Playhouse
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Wednesday 7 May - Bristol Old Vic
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Tuesday 13 May - Rockvilla, National Theatre of Scotland, Glasgow
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Wednesday 21 May - Liverpool Everyman
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Thursday 29 May - National Theatre, London
The sessions are free the attend and open to anyone interested in a career in stage design. They are an opportunity to discuss the process of applying to the Linbury Prize, compiling a portfolio, and more general design career advice. ​