United — UK New Artists

In 2019 UKYA & Platform Nord delivered a new international joint working programme for young artists to gain a better understanding of international working and intercultural dialogue. United was delivered in two parts: part one was held in Leicester in the UK, and part two was held in Kristiansand, Norway.

UKYA selected six UK-based artists to join four Nordic-based artists, who wish to develop an international artistic practice. Meet the artists here. During Part 1 of United (June, in Leicester), we enjoyed workshops and talks from G Sian Gurdeep (artist and curator based in Leicester), Louise Orwin (performance artist based in London), Matthew Chesney (artist and Director of Backlit, Nottingham), Matthew John Atkinson (artist based in Gravesend), representatives from Arts Council England and Eurodesk, and Michaela Butter (Director, Attenborough Arts Centre). We also hosted a panel discussion with artists and digital experts Leila Johnston (artist and curator based in Sheffield), Ben Fredericks (digital artist based in Leicester) and Aja Ireland (musician based in Nottingham), and were treated to a Kathak dance workshop with Aakash Odedra.

Workshop with Nicolas Vamvouklis and Julie Rasmussen

In October 2019, the United artists attended Platform Nord, in Kristiansand, Norway. Platform Nord is a multi-art form festival of young artists from the Nordic region. During Part 2 of United in Norway, the artists worked with a range of artists and curators, including: Nicolas Vamvouklis (international curator and artist based in Venice/Lesvos); Julie Rasmussen (dance artist and festival director based in Copenhagen/Kristiansand); Hydar Dewachi (photographer and filmmaker based in London); Andre Tribensee (artist, curator and activist based in Kristiansand) and Jona Haldórsdóttir (artist and Director of Art Museum Reykjavik). Workshops and activities included: presenting yourself digitally as an artist; the sustainable artist; nomadic practice and engaging with local communities; portfolio reviews; attending exhibitions, performances and Q&As; and the opening of a significant new exhibition at the Kristiansand Art Museum. The UK and Nordic artists also collaborated to create new work, presented as happenings across the week. UK artists Ant Hamlyn and Fauve Alice worked with Icelandic artist Agnes Ársælsdóttir on her tree walk performance, with Ant installing a series of provocative posters for the audience to stumble upon and Fauve popping up through the performance as a living sculpture in a ballgown. Fauve also worked with Norwegian musician Tobi Duchampe who performed an outstanding set at the Platform Nord closing party. In her ballgown, Fauve instigated beautiful, slow and intimate ballroom dancing with partygoers, juxtaposing Tobi’s energetic punk-art-synth-rock performance. We were also treated to poetry from UKYA artist Ella Frears, music from Agnes Ársælsdóttir, and presentations from the United artists about their practice.