Posts tagged: Graduate Scholarship Programme

About the Programme:

Run by University of Salford Art Collection with Castlefield Gallery, and in collaboration with our professional partners, the Graduate Scholarship Programme was established in 2014 to support artists in the crucial first year and the initial period after graduation. The programme runs for up to 18 months and grants graduates time, resources and the opportunity to develop their practice and shape their future careers within a supportive framework.

We want to encourage artists to remain in Salford and to develop their professional practice within the artist community in the city: the programme is a unique opportunity to further develop professional skills and gain vital industry experience and relationships with benefits lasting beyond the programme.

About the Scholarship:

Scholarship packages are tailored, but can include:

• Professional development and advice including coaching, career, practice and professional development sessions, 1-2-1 advisory sessions, studio group crit days, and mentoring
• £1000 bursary towards time and expenses to engage with the programme, which may include e.g. materials and travel
• Studio space and studio support for 12 months, based at studios including Paradise Works, Hot Bed Press, Islington Mill and Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces
• Research trips regionally and nationally, sometimes including overnight stays and networking
• Free 12-month Castlefield Gallery Associates membership See Castlefield website for benefits: Castlefield Gallery Associates – Castlefield Gallery
• Opportunity to have artwork acquired (via gift) into the University’s permanent Art Collection as a legacy of the programme

In 2024/25, we awarded five places on the scheme, with studio spaces including Islington Mill, Paradise Works and Hot Bed Press. The programme evolves each year as we endeavour to offer opportunities to the graduates we think we can best support. Over 50 graduates have benefitted from the scheme so far.

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Click each header below to read more information:

>Eligibility

Eligibility:

The programme is open to University of Salford final year undergraduates from the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology (who are due to graduate or complete their studies in July 2025) – plus there will be a maximum of one scholarship open to an MA graduate (due to graduate or complete in September 2025). Applicants who will be undertaking further study at the time of the scholarship (e.g. starting an MA in 2025) will not be eligible. Previous scholars will not be eligible.

The programme takes place in Salford and Greater Manchester (as well as UK research trips and some online sessions) and applicants must be able to attend. Further information and guidelines are available below.

>Accessibility

Accessibility:

We aim to remove barriers, bias or discrimination that prevents individuals or groups from realising their potential, and to develop organisational cultures that positively value diversity. If you have access needs and wish to discuss these in relation to the application and interview stage, or the opportunity more broadly, please contact: artcollection@salford.ac.uk 

We are committed to equal opportunities and will work with the successful selected applicants to support access requirements through reasonable adjustments during the programme. Where disclosures are made and access needs are identified, this will be discussed in more detail with selected candidates after interview stage. 

>Care and Consideration

Care and Consideration:

Please note, we approach the delivery of the programme with the aim of enacting care and consideration for all involved. To this end we operate a zero tolerance policy towards hostile, disrespectful or abusive behaviour towards staff, volunteers, partners and others, in all communications. 

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How to apply:

Open for applications: from Monday 24th March 2025
Application deadline: by 9am Monday 28th April 2025
Shortlisted applicants: will be interviewed in person on Monday 12th May 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

1) Please read the guidance on this page, and in the guidance form (below)
2) Download and complete your application form (below)
3) Prepare an up to date CV (maximum 2 pages)
4) Prepare up to four examples of your work (image, video or audio) as an attachment or weblink
5) Email your form, cv, and examples to: S.A.Parker@salford.ac.uk with the subject line “GSP Application”

Click here to download the Application Form in Word Format or PDF Format
Click here to download the Application Guidance in Word Format or PDF Format

All information and guidance, including accepted formats and eligibility, is on this page and in the guidance form download. For any further enquiries, please email: artcollection@salford.ac.uk

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Find out more:

In 2024 we awarded five places on the scheme, with studio spaces including Islington Mill, Paradise Works Hot Bed Press, and Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces. The programme evolves each year as we endeavour to offer opportunities to the graduates we think we can best support. Over 50 graduates have benefitted from the scheme so far. In 2024 we celebrated 10 years of the scheme with our exhibition and programme CATALYST.

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Last Tuesday we got together with our associates at Castlefield Gallery and the directors of both Hot Bed Press and Paradise Works to have a look at what our Graduate Scholars had been up to in their new studios. We had 2 presentations, 1 from Iqra Saied on her new space at the Castlefield New Art Spaces in Warrington, and the other from India Buxton who unfortunately couldn’t join us in person. Then visited Robin Standring, Jess Robinson, and Grecia Balassone’s studios respectively at Hot Bed Press, Islington Mill, and Paradise Works.

We also had the new Graduate Scholar liaison who will be their point of call for questions about the programme and whatever else they may wish to discuss. This is our previous Graduate Scholar whom we have exhibited twice in the past year at the New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery; Elliott Flanagan.

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Iqra Saied

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India Buxton

Although India couldn’t join us on the day, she did send in a presentation and a video of her current studio space. India is currently maximizing the use of her new flat, exploring this new area and the culture it has – she is aiming to use this new place as a new starting point to continue pushing her practice forward.

India has been developing her practice, looking into colour theory in her work, as well as delving into more research surrounding local heritage both in and out of Manchester; applying for opportunities, going on research trips, and taking commissions onboard. All of this while maintaining the themes of Greek mythology an philosophy through her work; sewing the fates and other elements of her work into each piece developed.

India’s research into philosophy (currently reading Alain De Botton’s The Consolations of Philosophy) is also informing her practice contextually as well as physically through her work. Moving to a new place, the local area has changed, it is different than home. No longer a student at university, India is using this to explore this transition in life and location.

India is also currently a part of 2 exhibitions – one of which is the 20:20 print exchange run by Hot Bed Press; so keep a lookout if you’ve taken part as you may receive one! And the other being The Omnipotence of Dream featuring students from the University of Salford, Leeds Art University, Angela Tait, Jeffrey Knopf, David Hancock, and many others. This show is open until the end of February 2025, pop by if you can.

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Robin Standring

Robin has been experimenting with a variety of different mediums – screenprint, textiles and stitching, spray paint, paint pens, photography, digital work, and a lot more. Using his studio at Hot Bed Press to the fullest, Robin’s studio is full of print work, inspiration, and plenty of visual intrigue for us to look at.

Robin then talked us through his process from ideas to creation, along with the context behind it – bouncing ideas and possible research avenues between us all. Whether it be an exploration of self in the every day hustle and bustle of life – or through loves for football that has been a constant through his upbringing and continues to play a vital role now. Telling us of LGBTQIA+ teams for official clubs that people can join to feel safer and to get into the sport; providing support and a healthy environment for all.

We spoke a lot about mental health and ways of working on Tuesday, with all of the scholars present – whether it be support and help with direction within their practices, or methods and processes to help get the ball rolling. We all struggle with knowing what to do next, having too many ideas and not knowing where to start – having a blank page in front of you and unsure which thought to put to page. Our curator Lindsay, Elliott, Gass and Helen from Castlefield, Sean from Hot Bed Press, and Jess from Paradise Works all provided their insight and support to our Scholars; offering a hand when needed. Talking about their own practices, relating moments they have had, and how they overcame them – knowing each story is invaluable to a new graduate, who can then form their own way of working strong going forward.

We’re expecting plenty of work on the walls next time we visit Robin, and we can’t wait to see what direction his work takes!

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Jess Robinson

Jess has never had a proper studio space before, and was full of ideas when first moving in. Wanting to move away from traditional photography and its aesthetics, Jess has already begun experimenting with what photographs are, why we are drawn to certain images, and how an image can be developed after being captured.

Brimming with ideas, Jess told us about all of her current work on the go – bouncing between digital photography, analogue photography, cyanotypes, mixed media with paint, collage, and methods of display. Jess showed us a new line of work that she has been working on with paint over images, creating pockets of photographs within a heavily textured surface – making the viewer delve closer to the work to discover the image within.

We again spoke to Jess, with others weighing in on focus within an art practice, how to move forward when we have so many ideas, or narrowing down from so many images – best practice for experimenting and creating work whilst struggling with going through the motions. Jess’ experiments combining different mediums together is a testament to the drive that she has – saying that rather than overthinking and waiting for all the blocks to be in place, she has begun to just create when an idea strikes; using the materials available and just cracking on. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as nothing is, but we can still find beauty in unexpected places. Jess has also chosen to do more creative writing, as a way to connect herself and contextualize concepts and stories behind her work – we all agreed that this creative writing might be the key to deciphering more about her and her practice moving forward.

We again wish Jess the best and look forward to seeing what wonderful things emerge during her time on the Graduate Scholarship Programme.

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Grecia Balassone

Grecia was also unfortunately not available, but on the day provided us with a 25 minute video in which they told us what they had been up to, opportunities that they had, and explaining the different processes and background to their current work. Grecia also provided us some chocolate as a gift upon entering their studio – we all sincerely thank you for this Grecia.

Whilst looking at Grecia’s work in their studio, we all listened to what they had to say about it – the thoughts, the feelings, and the stories from earlier in their life about security, exploring the self, and the struggles that they are going through. Grecia’s video was heartfelt, informative, and extremely brave – no cuts, no edits, just a raw explanation of passion and drive. What has gone well, what has gone not so well, current research themes, current experiments that whilst Grecia was talking about we could see in the studio and further inspect; it was honestly a really great way of doing it whilst not being there in person. It was almost like an Easter egg hunt as they brought up an artwork only for Jess from Paradise Works to find it and for us all to then admire it.

We spoke about possible avenues of research for Grecia, including perhaps travelling to some older mills that haven’t been converted yet, or to contact some organisations (like Super Slow Way, or insitu) that work a lot with preserving the memory and culture that these industries made.

As with all of our scholars, we very much look forward to how Grecia continues to expand their practice and delves more into these traditional ways of working; bringing them to the forefront.

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This day was a great way to get to know what our newest scholars have been up to , with their practices, their lives, what’s going well, and what they might need support with. Our associates from the other organisations providing input and new ways of viewing things was extremely useful for the scholars, and we hope that they all got as much out of it as we did.

We’d like to thank Iqra, India, Robin, Jess, and Grecia for allowing us into their studios, and talking to us about everything and anything. We know great things will come from each of them over this next year, and we wish them the best in all they do.

Many thanks to those who attended to discuss and feedback to our scholars: Lindsay Taylor and Sam Parker (UoS Art Collection), Matthew (Gass) Pendergast and Helen Wewiora (Castlefield Gallery), Elliott Flanagan (Artist), Jessica Bennett (Paradise Works), and Sean Rorke (Hot Bed Press).

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Donely is a fibre artist specialising in rug-tufting using vegan materials. Wavy Lady is a hand-tufted rug inspired by a stewarding fellowship Donely undertook in 2019 at the 58th Venice Biennale, through the British Council. The work depicts a woman, hanging upside down, in the foetal position, tufted in various shades of blue. She represents vulnerability and the emotional experience of ‘falling in love with unfamiliar places; with atmospheres, with experiences, with strangers… the fleeting nature of these floating away in the water as quickly as they appeared’.

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“Alena Donely’s practice has gone from strength to strength since graduating and completing her Salford Scholarship. The transition from university to being independent can be very challenging, with many adjustments including sourcing access to space and equipment. Through Alena’s own resourcefulness and dedication she has her built up her fully equipped workshop from where she can work on an ambitious scale and welcome people from all over the country and from overseas for her workshops and sharing of skills and experience.

The combination of the physicality of the heavy pneumatic tufting gun and the soft and colourful work it produces is not lost on Donely or the experience of her work. The tactile balance of the cold and the soft speaks of the expression of conflicting emotions. The roots of Donely’s practice flow from a personal place, drawing from her own mental health and telling her own story, whilst sharing works and a practice that is ever-accessible for others to engage and be inspired to both read and share their own experiences.

Donely’s welcoming and generous spirit of sharing has not stopped at the doors of her own studio –  since taking on her own space at Islington Mill she has been an engaged member of the community, extending to her active involvement in the long-term security and future of the studios for others to come.”

~Rachel Goodyear, Co-director at Islington Mill

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Wavy Lady, 2020
Hand-tufted rug in acrylic and linen yarn
Alena Ruth Donely (2018/19)

The work reflects contrasting notions of ‘holding on’ and ‘letting’ go as a constant presence in the artists life, in a practice that draws on modern existentialism, experience of mental illness, trauma, and self-soothing – as well as being ‘unapologetically technicolour, playful and emotive’. She describes the object of the rug as an ‘island of play’ as a child – a place of storytelling, emotional connection and a comforting nostalgia.

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Donely has exhibited work in group shows at Castlefield Gallery, Salford Museum and Art Gallery, HOME, and The Whitworth. She has also collaborated with Salford Lads and Girls Club, and made new work for the reopening of Rochdale Town Hall. Still based at Islington Mill, Alena now runs the Manchester Tufting Workshop, delivering commissions, workshops, courses and private tuition; as well as running collaborative sessions with the public at events including The Manchester Contemporary, 2023 and We Invented the Weekend, 2024.

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Join us on the 9th of October 2024 to celebrate our newest exhibition CATALYST – featuring 16 artists from across the North West.

Artists include: Suraj Adekola, Katie Aird, Lubna Ali, Mollie Balshaw, Joe Beedles, Heather Bell, Alena Ruth Donely, Aidan Doyle, Elliott Flanagan, Joe Fowler, Jesse Glazzard, Jack Jameson, Lizzie King, Adam Rawlinson, Joshua Turner, and Meg Woods.

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CATALYST install shot
Image: Courtesy of Jules Lister

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Also showing:
The evening is a double celebration with MA Degree Show Present/Continuous launching at the same time in the New Adelphi Atrium. See new work from across the MA Pathways (Socially Engaged Art, Socially Engaged Photography, Contemporary Fine Art, Visual Communication) as well as MA Animation, MSc Games and Extended Reality and MA Fashion Business and Marketing.

Launch night:
Wednesday 9th October, 4.30 – 7.00pm
Speeches at 5.30pm. Refreshments served. All welcome.

Exhibition continues:
to 10th January 2025, 10am to 4pm weekdays, except for bank holidays and Christmas closures.

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Aird is a photographer and art director based in Manchester, working across fine art, photography, and commercial and editorial work. Her work has been featured by the United Nations, Redeye: The Photography Network, and Lomography. She recently published two zines: Only Fans and Lost and Styled. This work also featured at the University of Salford Art Collection booth at The Manchester Contemporary 2023.

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Entropy, 2021
Photographic Print
Katie Aird (2021/22)

Aird utilises 35mm photography and experimental techniques to explore cycles of life, death, and infinite energy. Her work is inspired by the concept of ‘entropy’ from thermodynamics – which concerns energy, order and disorder – and how it relates to human psychology. Original images of flowers – which symbolise the cycles of nature and regeneration that are part of everyday life – are distorted through a process of ‘scanography’ – using a flatbed scanner as a camera to manipulate light and form in unexpected ways.

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Adekola was born in 1983. He is a Nigerian artist currently living in Manchester. His work is informed by post-colonial narratives, through painting, installation, and drawing, he uses elements of contemporary and historical material to explore themes of migration, globalisation, identity politics, equality, diversity, and inclusivity. He has exhibited work internationally including in London and Nigeria.

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“It was a real joy to spend time with Suraj during his time on the Scholars programme. Perhaps more importantly it was great to see his work and thinking develop. His recent series of works The Treasure (2024) made with Adire (tie-dye) fabric, spray paints, and oil sticks on canvas retain the attitude of the first works that I saw by him but they also display an evolving sense of confidence in the way he is working with his mix mediums. I look forward to seeing him continue to be as ambitious with his work in the future, as I’m sure he will be.“

~Matthew Pendergast, Curator at Castlefield Gallery

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We Should All Be Blacks 6, 2022
Mixed Media
Suraj Adekola (2022/23)

This work is part of a series titled We Should All Be Blacks, which Adekola began during his 2022 MA studies. The artist uses the traditional ‘Adire’ fabric as the foundation of the work – a popular indigenous tie-dyed fabric made in his hometown of Egbaland, Abeokuta (the ‘capital of Adire-making’ in Nigeria). The artist deconstructs, fragments, weaves and stitches the material together, creating vibrant forms and patterns inspired by Cubism. On the surface he uses spray paint, oil stick, and bleach to draw figurative and abstract motifs. This stitching together of fragmented forms and varied mediums symbolises a deep-seated desire for belonging and inclusion, ‘mirroring the Black experience – a tapestry woven from diverse threads’. The work and material are imbued with personal narrative, memories, cultural references, and celebrates art as a way to share Black histories.

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2024 marks the 10th year of the Graduate Scholarship Programme. To coincide with this we’re having various celebrator events in different locations – up and coming is our newest exhibition CATALYST – Celebrating 10 years of the Graduate Scholarship Programme.

This new exhibition in the New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery will feature a variety of artists that have been a part of the programme – there has been over 50 of them in the past decade!

To find out more about the programme, our celebratory events, and CATALYST – head over to our Celebration page; link below!

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July 2024

Each year, a number of bespoke scholarships are awarded to graduating students from the University of Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology, through a scheme led by The University of Salford Art Collection in partnership with Castlefield Gallery. This year we are delighted to welcome fine art products company Wallace Seymour as a partner in the scheme, supporting a new Painting Scholarship.

Aiming to support graduates to begin their careers in the art sector, each 12-month award includes a tailored package of support which can include: studio space, mentoring, coaching, research trips, and a bursary for materials, equipment or research travel.

For the 2024 cohort we are pleased to announce Grecia Balassone, India Buxton, Iqra Saied, Jess Robinson and Robin Standring. Find out more about each artist below.

“The Scheme has supported over 50 artists across 10 years, and it has been a joy to see each artists’ practice and career develop over time. The standard of applications was as high as ever this year and is always a difficult choice. However we are delighted to welcome Grecia, India, Iqra, Jess and Robin this year and look forward to supporting them. We are also particularly grateful for Wallace Seymour for sponsoring the scheme this year, and taking part in the selection process” – Assistant Curator, Stephanie Fletcher

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University of Salford Art Collection and Castlefield Gallery are pleased to share that they will be at The Manchester Contemporary this weekend, celebrating 10 years of partnership on their Graduate Scholarship Programme.

Curated by Rowan Pritchard, Salford Scholars brings together the work of 5 recent graduate scholars Katie Aird, Mollie Balshaw, Jeffrey Knopf, Katie McGuire, and Adam Rawlinson, working across mediums including sculpture, photography, and painting.

The Manchester Contemporary takes place annually alongside the Manchester Art Fair, and this year runs from the 17th to the 19th of November. The Manchester Contemporary showcases the strength of the UK’s regional artists and galleries alongside key international presentations that can only be seen in Manchester. 

You can find out more about the University of Salford Art Collection & Castlefield Gallery at The Manchester Contemporary here. 

The University of Salford Art Collection, alongside Castlefield Gallery, Manchester are pleased to announce the five recipients of the 2023/24 Graduate Scholarships. 

Each year, a number of bespoke scholarships are offered to graduating students from the University of Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. This year the recipients are: 

Adam Rawlinson
Megan Brierley
Lucy Claire
Zan Atkinson
Maggie Stick

Each recipient will receive 12 months of bespoke support tailored to their individual needs and aspirations, including a programme of mentoring, coaching and professional development, Castlefield Gallery Associates membership, and studio space or place on a programme with one of our industry partners; Hot Bed Press, Islington Mill, Paradise Works, and Redeye, The Photography Network.

Director and Artistic Director of Castlefield Gallery, Helen Wewiora says:

We are delighted to welcome Adam, Megan, Lucy, Zan and Maggie to the 2023/24 Graduate Scholars programme. We can’t wait to start working with everyone. The standard of applications this year was particularly high. I know all those involved from across the Graduate Scholars programme partnership will agree that it was really tough deciding on the final awards. As the programme enters its 10th year it is really exciting to know we’ll be working with such a talented and committed group of practitioners and we look forward to another 10 successful years of the working with Salford Scholars!

In Autumn 2023 we also celebrate the 10^th year of the Graduate Scholarship scheme. Over 50 graduates have taken part in the scheme since it began, from across the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology.  Throughout the year we will reflect on and celebrate some of our scholars stories, journeys and successes – watch this space for more announcements soon!

The Graduate Scholarship Programme is run annually alongside Castlefield Gallery, with support from our studio partners Hot Bed Press, Islington Mill and Paradise Works, and Redeye the Photography Network.