At the Glass Art Society (GAS), artists aren’t just part of our community—they are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Founded in 1971, GAS was born from a simple, radical desire: to bring glass artists together to learn from one another. Decades later, that spark has grown into a global bonfire. Today, we are an international collective of creators, curators, and enthusiasts dedicated to this material we all love.
But we know that passion alone doesn’t pay the bills. That’s why GAS is committed to more than just “connection”—we are dedicated to compensation, access, and visibility.
Investing in Expertise: Paid Opportunities
We believe that an artist’s labor and expertise deserve tangible rewards. Through our programs, we provide direct financial support to ensure that creativity remains a sustainable way to build a career.
Program
Impact + Reach
Annual Conference
Every year, 80–120 artists are paid as presenters. We intentionally curate a diverse, international program that spans career stages and techniques. Most presenters also become published authors in our widely respected annual Journal—a permanent archive of the contemporary glass scene.
Masterclasses
As stewards of the International Festival of Glass, we have expanded paid opportunities for artists. In 2026, ten artists will lead intensive masterclasses, sharing their knowledge and skills.
Recognizing Excellence: Prizes + Scholarships
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of talent. Thanks to our visionary donors, we are expanding the ways we fund the future of glass.
- Conference Scholarships: Ten scholarships ensure our programming is accessible to artists at every income level. Special thanks to Eddie + Angela Bernard, Lisa Bieber + David Winship, Leonardo Nagata + Akiko Sano, and Dorothy Saxe.
- The Emerging Artist Award: In 2025, we elevated this award to include a larger cash prize and a prestigious residency at the Chrysler Museum of Art, with support from Nancy and Roger MacPherson and Barbara and Richard Wortley.
- Festival Prizes: We are offering more than £3,500 for top honors at both the British Glass Biennale and the International GAS Member Exhibition, along with specialized awards including a £1,000 prize from the British Society of Master Glass Painters.
Opening Doors: Access & Visibility
Beyond the paycheck, artists need a platform. GAS provides the stage, the spotlight, and the microphone.
Global Networking
You never know who you’ll meet at a GAS Conference. From your next collaborator or vendor to a curator who could change the trajectory of your career, we build the rooms where “the magic happens.”
Exhibition Platforms
In 2026 alone, we are hosting seven exhibition opportunities with both gallery and virtual components. We put your work where it belongs: in front of collectors, museum professionals, and peers.
International Amplification
Between our blog, the GAS Network emails, and our social media channels, we share your perspective with a truly global audience. We don’t just show the work; we tell the artist’s story.
Leadership Development
We are an organization for artists, by artists. Our Board of Directors is largely composed of working creators, providing a platform to hone leadership skills and influence the direction of the international glass community.