Holden Gallery Graduate Award Winners Announced

The Holden Gallery is delighted to announce the six successful candidates for the 2021 Graduate Awards:

Alina Akbar (BA Hons Filmmaking), James Dewhirst (BA Hons Photography), Alice Dines-Allen (BA Hons Illustration with Animation), Nadire Gokmen (BA Hons Three Dimensional Design), Ellie Mortell (BA Hons Photography) and Nathan Taylor (BA Hons Fine Art) were each awarded with a £1,500 bursary and mentoring sessions with one of six visual arts mentors, including Rhiannon Ewing-James, Tom Lovelace, Kim McAleese, Fraser Muggeridge, Harold Offeh, and Michelle Williams Gamaker.

Applications were accepted from both undergraduate and postgraduate students, working across a wide range of mediums in visual art including painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing and more. Applicants submitted an outline of their practice, their plan for bursary activity and an evaluation of how the prize would benefit their creative and personal development.

“We recognise that the initial years after graduating can be a challenging time” said Zoe Watson, curator of the Holden Gallery. “Particularly for those whose academic studies have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, where lack of access to space, resources, and guidance have prevented them from refining and developing skillsets, and realising ambitious work. I am delighted that we are able to support the artistic and professional development of these six graduates over the next year.”

Mentor and Creative Producer at the British Ceramics Biennial, Rhiannon Ewing-James, said that “The Holden Gallery Graduate Award is an incredible opportunity for newly emerging creative professionals when they need it most. The programme provides a direct route for graduates into and connecting with valuable networks through their mentors who are passionate about supporting and encouraging the next up and coming.”

“When I reflect on my journey, I see some wonderful and generous people who have guided, supported and nurtured me. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for their support. Taking part in this programme gives me the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge I’ve developed to begin to give back what I have and continue to gain from other professionals.”

These awards have been realised through the Expanded Additional Restrictions Grants scheme for Cultural, Entertainment and Convention Facilities at Manchester City Council. The award is designed to provide financial support to cultural, entertainment and convention facilities as part of the city’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.