Eden Arts have launched the fifth Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year award working in partnership with the Institute of the Arts at the University of Cumbria to showcase the excellent quality of work being produced by young people studying in or from Cumbria.
The Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year welcomes entries from 15 – 24 year old artists working in a range of media. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their work in an online gallery on the new Eden Arts website as well as exhibit work alongside other young artists at the Vallum Gallery at the University of Cumbria through March and April 2019. The Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year will be awarded at the opening night of the exhibition with the winner receiving a £250 prize and the opportunity to carry out an artist residency with Eden Arts at the Old Fire Station, Penrith as part of their Artist Spare Room scheme.
“We are keen to promote the professional develop of Young Artists in Cumbria and I see the addition of an artists residency as an exciting development of this award”, commented Adrian Lochhead director of Eden Arts, “we have seen some outstanding winners in the past and I look forward to seeing who will become the Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year 2019”.
Starting in 2014 the award has been given to 4 different artists since its inception. These artists have ranged in disciplines with a photographer, animator, film maker and installation artist winning the top prize over the years. The exhibition and shortlist is selected by 3 arts professionals, which has often included a previous winner of the award on the panel.
Last year’s winner, Emeli Hartness, was also awarded the Institute of the Arts Award for Creativity and Innovation from the University of Cumbria when she graduated in 2017.
“After winning Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year 2017 my confidence in my art practice grew”, says Emeli Hartness, winner of the Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year 2017, “I was so happy that people responded positively to my artwork. After winning the award I was able to work with Eden Arts on the events team for Picnic Cinema. This was an amazing insight into how outdoor event are ran and how the passion for art and culture can create such fun and unique events.”
Artists aged between 15-24 yrs can enter by visiting edenarts.co.uk/projects/ycaoty. More details available on the website. Deadline for entries is 31st January 2019.
