new graduate award

The New Graduate Award (NGA) has grown to support nine graduates from five Institutions: Newcastle University, Northumbria University, The Northern School of Art, University of Sunderland and Teesside University. A three month studio residency is the backbone of this Award. This year the graduates have studios at Navigator North in Middlesbrough, Breeze Creatives in Sunderland and Orbis Community in Gateshead. 

The support package for this year's award included a £500 artist fee as well as support to buy materials and for travel. An intensive weekend at the start of the residency sets the tone and pace for the 3 months and includes presentations by New Contemporaries, Evelyn Cromwell, Conor Rush of Starving Artist Opportunities and a writing workshop with George Vasey.

The NGA is a critical part of the talent pipeline for graduates in the North East as they embark on their career as artists. The graduates are supported with in person crits from The Auxiliary team and a workshop with members of the MIMA curatorial team to develop their work towards an exhibition at MAW24. This opportunity not only showcases their work to new audiences but also facilitates their transition from educational settings to establishing independent studio practices.

So which artists can we look forward to seeing at this year's NGA Group Show?

Teesside University | Lisa Sopekan // Amy D'Cruze
Northern School of Art | Beth Hinde // Charlotte Thompson
Northumbria University | Katie Young // Bec Nicholson
Newcastle University | Ali Cook // Nesh Dadgostar
Sunderland University | Dianne Cobb