Announcement: UKNA 4C Group Bursary Recipient for 2024, Courtney Conrad!
UK New Artists and 4C Group are delighted to announce that the third recipient of the 2024/25 bursary is Jamaican poet based in Bucks, Courtney Conrad.
UKNA and global company 4C Group launched this new, exciting partnership in 2022, creating valuable opportunities for UKNA Alumni artists over the next three years. UKNA and 4C Group recognise the difficulties faced by those who would struggle to further their creative career without support, and a key component of the partnership is a significant investment with an annual 4C Group bursary. The bursary, managed by UKNA for twelve months, offers a £10,000 investment to support the artist's professional practice and creative development.
Courtney's submission was comprised of poems delving into the intricate experiences of motherhood, fertility, and the challenging terrain of miscarriages, barrenness, and postnatal mental health disorders. She delves into the profound impacts on family dynamics, friendships and the self, shedding light on the often-overlooked perspective of women grappling with tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy. These poems emerged from Courtney's conversations with everyday women, discussions with academics immersed in related fields, and consultations with midwives from London hospitals. Her writing endeavours are driven by a commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and shedding light on taboo experiences, aiming to spark conversations that dismantle stigma, shame, and injustice.
About Courtney Conrad
Courtney is a Jamaican poet based in Bucks. Her poetry explores the themes of religion, migration, and womanhood. Her debut pamphlet I Am Evidence is published by Bloodaxe Books. She's a winner of the Eric Gregory Award, Michael Marks Award, Bridport Prize Young Writers Award and Mslexia Women’s Pamphlet Prize. She was shortlisted for The White Review Poet's Prize, the Manchester Poetry Prize, the Oxford Brookes International Poetry Competition, the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award’s Poetry Prize, the Bridport Poetry Prize. She is an alumna of The London Library Emerging Writers Programme, Malika's Poetry Kitchen, Barbican Young Poets, Cave Canem Fellow, Obsidian Foundation Fellow, Griots Well Collective, Poet in the City Producers Programme, Out-Spoken Press Emerging Poets Development Scheme and Roundhouse Poetry Collective. Her poems have appeared in Poetry Review, Magma Poetry, Propel Magazine, Poetry Wales, The White Review, Stand Magazine, The Indianapolis Review, Bath Magg, Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, Anthropocene Poetry Journal and more.
UKNA 4C Group Bursary Recipient, Courtney Conrad said: ‘’Glory to God! This is truly a full circle moment as my poetry journey got a jumpstart with UKNA's City Takeover when I was an infant poet with only six poems to my name. It is great to know that UKNA believed in me then and continues to believe in me now. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for receiving this grant which fuels my dedication to my craft and empowers me to delve into ever more ambitious projects. With this grant, I'll embark on transformative journeys through international residencies/fellowships, advancing towards the completion of my debut poetry collection. It will also assist with new skill development through playwriting mentorship. These programs echo the spirit of initiatives like UKNA, fostering connections among global artists, nurturing collaborations, and fostering the exchange of insights and artistic wisdom. I envision these programs as catalysts for cross-cultural creative exchange as they open portals to new realms of perception and interaction; artists can transcend borders and cultures, enriching each other's practices. I am beyond excited to see the community and art that will be created from these experiences. I appreciate the time, efforts and consideration of UKNA, the 4C Group and Canopy by Hilton London City Hotel.’’
Additionally, throughout the 12-month programme, Courtney will have an opportunity to engage with Canopy by Hilton London City, an eco-conscious 340-room hotel based in London’s Aldgate, owned and managed by 4C Group.
About UK New Artists (UKNA)
We are a creative talent development organisation; building capacity & increasing opportunities for emerging creatives to be seen & heard; empowering artists to develop skills & communicate ideas effectively; helping to ensure a vibrant & diverse future for the UK. We equip new UK artists by providing participation and connection; helping them to be the best they can be. We run a range of developmental platforms for artists which include our micro-residencies which have given over 1000 artists a stimulating space to reconnect with their work & learn new skills. UKNA also runs the Robert Walters Group UK New Artist of the Year award at the Saatchi Gallery and has delivered high-profile combined arts events internationally.
About 4C Group
4C Group manages and develops properties and hotels in key business districts and leisure hot spots across the UK, Middle East, East Africa and Canada. The company was formed in 2010, building on the foundations of a family property business that stretches back to the 1990s. The group’s mission is to operate sustainably and delight guests and investors, whilst striving to deliver a positive environmental and social impact within local communities.
