Sculptural Artist Wins Top Award

ActionSpace artist Linda Bell has been named as one of five visual artists to receive the 2026 Paul Hamlyn Foundation Awards for Artists.

Linda, a London-based deaf, Autistic, and learning disabled artist, will receive £75,000 in recognition of her ambitious and distinctive sculptural practice.

It marks a significant moment in her career, offering new creative possibilities and the opportunity to take her practice in new directions, including gaining her own studio, exploring new materials and processes, and developing the performative elements of her work.

“This award is an absolute gamechanger for ActionSpace artist Linda Bell’s career, and a wonderful recognition of her ambition and work so far,” said Charlotte Hollinshead, Head of Artistic Development at ActionSpace, which supports learning disabled artists, providing access to creative studios, professional guidance, and the assistance they need to realise their potential.

“Linda is part of a wave of learning disabled artists changing the contemporary art world and this award will give her fresh agency, creative autonomy and provide the platform to truly flex her potential, raise ambition and extend her practice, enabling her to showcase her immense talent and important creative voice.”

To find out more visit https://actionspace.org/