The Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year Exhibition returns for it’s sixth edition and will open to the public at The Vallum Gallery, Institute of the Arts, University of Cumbria on 2nd March 2020.
Submissions to the exhibition were received from artists aged between 15-24 who live, work or are from Cumbria. From the submitted artworks 21 young artists were invited to exhibit their work and were shortlisted for the Young Cumbrian Artist 2020 Award along with two new Highly Commended awards.
A panel of cross sector experts has been assembled to judge the awards which include Glasgow based artist Deirdre Nelson, bringing her expertise in socially engaged practice, Paul Kondras, who set up White Elephant Contemporary Art Gallery in Morecambe to create an open and welcoming space; and Windermere based Sophia Newton, experienced in running galleries and exhibitions and is now a partner in Cumbrian marketing agency Flock.
Winners for all three awards will be announced at a special preview of the exhibition on 28th February 2020, with the winner of The Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year award receiving £250 cash prize and the opportunity to take part in Eden Arts Artist Spare Room residency programme, and two Highly Commended artists being awarded £125 cash.
Sophia Newton, Flock, commented ‘The judging process has been difficult but extremely enjoyable, the quality and breadth of the work submitted was impressive. It’s clear that not only are our young people full of talent but that they are not afraid to express themselves in a huge variety of mediums whilst tackling some of the biggest issues facing society today. We should be proud of our county’s young people, I certainly am.’
Adrian Lochhead, Director of Eden Arts said, “The Young Cumbrian Artist of the Year always produces great work and shows that we have young artists here who have high standards. We showcase these young artists and it is then up to all of us – councils, institutions, public – to support them and nurture them, to give them spaces to show work and create work, otherwise they end up either leaving or stopping doing their work. We must support our creative talent!”.
The exhibition contains a broad mixture of sculpture, installation, mixed media, drawing and painting with a range of subjects being explored from climate change to more personal themes.
The artists showcased in the exhibition include Jocelyn Arnold, Holly Cantley, Harvey Critchley, Mia Eccleston, Emily Ford, Zoe Forster, Mel Galley, Lydia Hurley, Grace Joyram, Michelle Lam, Victoria Mandale, Sarah Maxwell, Dan Stearne, Emilia Steven, Miriam Stobart, Heather Taylor, Emily Thurlow, Ashley Tudhope, Helen Walgate, Sarah Waugh, and Georgia White.
More information about this year’s exhibition can be found online at www.edenarts.co.uk/ycaoty. The exhibition at the Vallum Gallery, University of Cumbria Brampton Road Campus is open to public between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday, from 02 March – 20 March.
