Out with the young, in with the new!
Since 2008, UK Young Artists has supported almost 2000 young artists aged 18-30 to connect and collaborate, to develop and expand their practice, and present their work at significant national and global platforms.
The first years of an artists’ practice can be difficult to navigate. We provide support and a cushion to enable artists to develop a sustainable career; investing at the point when the most help is needed.
UKYA commits to having artists at the heart of what we do, and to being agile in responding to changes in the sector and the needs of practitioners. In light of this we are aware artistic practice doesn’t always begin between the ages of 18-30 but can begin at any age, as more people are choosing to re-train or change career at a later point. So, it’s out with the ‘young’, and in with the ‘new’… Let us introduce you to UK New Artists.
As of April 2020, our opportunities will be open to artists at any age above 18 who are within the first 10 years of their professional practice. Beginning with the call for entries for our next City Takeover in Leicester 2021, which launches with new criteria for artists very soon.
Eligibility Criteria
Upon application, we will ask you to define the start of your professional practice as one of the following:
the date that you registered as a self-employed artist
the first public exhibition or performance you presented
your first paid commission
The year you completed your education or training
You are yet to do any of these things, and self-define the start of your professional practice
We will be using the next 12 months as a test run - ‘trying on’ the criteria and name, then seeking feedback to ensure we have the right outlook before we make more formal changes in 2021. For now, our email addresses and website URL remain the same, with a little makeover.
